Healthy bodies #14 Anxiety

2014’s Big Advances in Science

An article recounting the year’s greatest advances in science includes a comment from Guangping Gao, PhD, the Penelope Booth Rockwell Chair in Biomedical Research, director of the Gene Therapy Center and professor of microbiology & physiological systems, about an improved tissue-clearing technique the leaves tissues virtually see-through in animal models. The Scientist

12 - 23 - 14

Connecting moms, newborns with Google Glass

An article about the potential biomedical opportunities for Google Glass mentions that researchers at UMass Medical School are exploring using the device to remotely diagnose toxicology problems with patients. Boston Globe

12 - 23 - 14

Tanning Beds Are Losing Popularity Among High School Teens, But There's Still More Work To Do

An article about the popularity of indoor tanning references a recent study from Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine. Medical Daily

12 - 23 - 14

Why Being A People-Pleaser Is Bad For You (And How to Stop)

Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, talks about how being a people pleaser can be unhealthy.Yahoo Health

12 - 22 - 14

Caret’s legacy enlivens search for next UMass president

A story about University of Massachusetts President Robert Caret being named president of the University of Maryland system includes comments from UMMS Chancellor Michael F. Collins, MD.Boston Globe

Special K, a Hallucinogen, Raises Hopes and Concerns as a Treatment for Depression

Anthony Rothschild, MD, professor of psychiatry, is quoted in an article about the potential use of ketamine, a dangerous hallucinogenic, to help patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatment for depression.Star TribuneNew York TimesBusiness Insider

12 - 18 - 14

Padlock Therapeutics Secures $23 Million Series A Financing Led by Atlas Venture

Padlock Therapeutics, a biotechnology company dedicated to creating new medicines for destructive autoimmune diseases co-founded by Paul R. Thompson, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, announced that the company raised $23 million in a Series A financing led by Atlas Venture.Herald Online

12 - 18 - 14

Suicide Problem Discussed in Northampton Conference

Barry Feldman, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of Psychiatry Services in Public Safety, discusses youth suicide prevention and Lifelines, an evidence-based, comprehensive suicide prevention program for schools.WGGB Springfield

12 - 17 - 14

Massachusetts Gives $1M for Quicker Ebola Test

UMass Medical School is among a consortium of research institutions, led by Diagnostics For All, that are working to develop a rapid diagnostic test for Ebola. Such testing will make a ‘huge difference in the treatment in West Africa, ’ according to Ebola survivor and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine & Community Health Rick Sacra, who spoke at the State House press conference about the project.WGBHNECNWorcester Telegram & GazetteBoston GlobeLowell SunMassliveWBURBoston Herald

12 - 16 - 14

College crunch time: Studying for finals

Barry N. Feldman, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry, talks about the stress students who are studying for finals experience and the importance of watching for signs of anxiety. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Phillip D. Zamore, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, the Gretchen Stone Cook Chair in the Biomedical Sciences and professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, was named a 2014 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a high professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation. Phys OrgGoLocal Worcester

12 - 15 - 14

Expert: Mental health, smoking linked

Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry, is quoted in an article about the link between tobacco use and mental health. Sentinel & Enterprise

12 - 15 - 14

In nursing homes, statins often continued in advanced dementia

Nursing home residents with advanced dementia often receive medications of questionable benefit with costly consequences, according to a study by Jennifer Tjia, MD, MSCE, associate professor of quantitative health sciences.Medical Xpress

12 - 15 - 14

The general anaesthetic that led to British socialite leaping to her death

An article about a women who suffered from extreme postoperative delirium and ended her life, references a study led by Jane Saczynski, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, which showed that older heart patients who experience confusion after surgery take longer to recover cognitive skills.Mail Online

Cilia Seem Harmless, But Scientists Say They May Be Source of Many Genetic Diseases

George B. Witman, PhD, professor of cell and developmental biology, describes how cilia, hairlike structures on cells, may play a role in a host of genetic disorders, including kidney degeneration, vision impairment and even some cancers.TechTimesScientific American

Hartland Scientist Awarded $3 Million To Continue Genetic Research

Victor R. Ambros, PhD, professor of molecular medicine, talks about his 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences award for his co-discovery of a new world of genetic regulation by microRNAs. The Vermont Standard

12 - 04 - 14

Medical Registry Costs Cut Both Ways

David Ayers, MD, the Arthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics and chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation, talks about the Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement (FORCE-TJR) registry, used to collect information to measure the success of joint replacement surgery.Health Leaders Media

12 - 04 - 14

Microbiome: The bacterial tightrope

Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, vice chair of the Department of Medicine and associate dean for clinical and translational sciences, is quoted in an article about new findings that show imbalances in gut bacteria may play a crucial role in the progression of liver cancer. Nature

12 - 04 - 14

Sex differences: Luck of the chromosomes

In an article about whether being a male or female has any influence on a person’s susceptibility to cancer includes comments from Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, vice chair of the Department of Medicine and associate dean for clinical and translational sciences. Nature

The New Genetics of Schizophrenia

Evgeny I. Rogaev, PhD, professor of psychiatry, talks about a study of people with schizophrenia which found 83 potential gene locations for the disease which will allow researchers to pursue new theories about what causes schizophrenia and how to treat it.Everyday Health

11 - 30 - 14

Animal Magnetism: How the Magnetic Field Influences Animal Navigation

An article about how animals use environmental cues to navigate references research by Steven Reppert, MD, the Higgins Family Professor of Neuroscience and distinguished professor of neurobiology, examining how migratory monarch butterflies use an internal compass and skylight cues to navigate.Decoded Science

A Warning on Nutmeg

Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, is quoted in an article about nutmeg poisoning.New York TimesTime

11 - 24 - 14

Lack of funding leaves police fitness up to local departments

Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, is quoted in an article about the benefits of implementing physical fitness programs for local police officers.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 23 - 14

Work Without Limits means 'room for everyone'

UMass Medical School’s Work Without Limits program helped Wegmans supermarkets find and hire individuals with disabilities for its first Massachusetts store in Northborough, and the successful model has been replicated at other stores.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 21 - 14

Friday Feedback: Will IMPROVE-IT Trial Affect Primary Care?

Frank J. Domino, MD, professor of family medicine & community health, talks about the “IMPROVE-IT” trial that examines the benefits of ezetimibe added to a statin for patients with hypercholesterolemia.Medpage Today

11 - 21 - 14

Tanning Beds Are A Common Amenity On Campuses

Despite increasing the risk of skin cancer, tanning beds are available on-campus or in off-campus housing at nearly half of the nation’s top colleges and access is frequently discounted or entirely free of charge, according to a new study from Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine.Healthy Living

11 - 20 - 14

Don't worry about Ebola—but be very worried about flu

Robert W. Finberg, MD, chair and professor of medicine, compares the incidence and dangers of flu versus Ebola in the United States—and urges everyone to get flu vaccines.Medical Xpress

11 - 20 - 14

Worcester, scientific pioneer

In his regular column, Albert B. Southwick credits UMass Medical School as a medical-science research powerhouse of national significance due in part to researchers like Victor R. Ambros, PhD, professor of molecular medicine, and Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and distinguished professor of molecular medicine and cell and developmental biology. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 19 - 14

Parents invited to Suicide Prevention Program at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham

Barry N. Feldman, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the UMMS Psychiatry Programs in Public Safety, led the parent forum 'Is My Kid OK?', a Parent's Orientation to the Lifelines Suicide Prevention Program, last night at Minnechaug Regional High School. Masslive.com

11 - 19 - 14

Protect doctor-patient speech

An op-ed co-written by Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of pediatric surgery, chief of pediatric surgery & trauma and Worcester’s interim commissioner of public health, about a recent case where a Federal Court of Appeals upheld the right of the State of Florida to prohibit physicians from exercising free speech.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 19 - 14

TSRI Researchers Discover New Type of Neuron that Plays Key Role in Nicotine Addiction

The findings published in the journal Nature Neuroscience show that in the core of the brain’s reward system are specific neurons that are active both with use of and withdrawal from nicotine. The researchers believe the same neurons may be active in responses to many addictive drugs. Andrew R. Tapper, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry, helped write the study.Health Canal

11 - 18 - 14

UMass Medical School receives $9.5M grant from NIH

The Center for Collaborative Research in Fragile X at UMMS, with a $9.5 million NIH grant, will be led by Professor of Molecular Medicine Joel D. Richter, PhD. Fragile X is the most common form of inherited intellectual and developmental disability. It can affect one in about 4,000 males and one in about 6,000 females.Worcester Telegram & GazettePhys Org

11 - 16 - 14

High blood pressure? There’s an app for that

Dennis M. Dimitri, MD, clinical associate professor of family medicine & community health and president-elect of the Massachusetts Medical Society, is quoted in an article about mobile apps being developed to help patients stick to treatment plans.BetaBoston

11 - 15 - 14

26 ways to avoid getting sick this winter

Reason #10 – “Refuse the Booze” references a study on binge drinking by Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, vice chair of the Department of Medicine and associate dean for clinical and translational sciences, which shows that a single episode of binge drinking can adversely affect your health.Today.com

11 - 14 - 14

Back from Liberia, UMass Memorial doctor will not treat patients for 21 days

Steven C. Hatch, MD, assistant professor of medicine, talks to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette about his recent trip to Liberia to treat people with Ebola. Robert W. Finberg, MD, chair and professor of medicine, is also quoted in the article.Worcester Telegram & GazetteWBZ 4 Boston

11 - 14 - 14

Ebola awareness and relief fundraising featured at Worcester's Union Station Friday

“A Night of Education and Celebration of the West African Community" was held at Union Station to raise awareness about Ebola, and to fund humanitarian efforts in West Africa. The event was sponsored in part by UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Health Care.Worcester Telegram & GazetteMasslive.com

Serving our heroes

An editorial by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette about this week’s announcement of a new outpatient clinic for veterans care on the UMMS campus.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 13 - 14

Together v. Ebola

An editorial by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette encourages people to attend and donate to “A Night of Education and Celebration of the West African Community" being held on Nov. 15th at Union Station to raise awareness about Ebola, and to fund humanitarian efforts in West Africa. The event is being sponsored by UMass Medical School. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 13 - 14

UMass doctor heads back to Liberia to help rebuild broken health system

As part of a $7.5 million grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Patricia A. McQuilkin, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics, will travel to Liberia and began the process of helping the country restore its health care infrastructure.Worcester Telegram & GazetteMasslive.com

Five ways your home is making you fat

Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, is quoted in an article offering tips to restructure your home environment to aid in weight loss.The Age

11 - 11 - 14

Show of solidarity for Worcester's West African community

Rick Sacra, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, to speak at "A Night of Education and Celebration of the West African Community," being held Friday night. Dr. Sacra along with James Leary, Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations, are quoted in the article.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 10 - 14

UMass Medical School Sending Team To Fight Ebola In Liberia

Chancellor Michael F. Collins and Rick Sacra, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, talk to WBUR about UMMS’s efforts to fight Ebola in Liberia.WBUR Common Health

11 - 09 - 14

Recipients Of The 2015 Breakthrough Prizes In Fundamental Physics And Life Sciences Announced

Preventing sudden infant death from unsafe sleep environments

Linda Sagor, MD, MPH, clinical professor of pediatrics and a consultant to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, talks about preventing sudden infant death from unsafe sleep environments.Medical Xpress

Will your brothers and sisters help care for your parents?

Amy B. Wachholtz, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry, offers advice on how siblings can coordinate care for their aging parents.Morningstar

11 - 04 - 14

Fear factor: Emotional reaction to Ebola outweighs actual risk

Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of pediatric surgery, chief of pediatric surgery & trauma and Worcester’s interim commissioner of public health, is quoted in an article about the public’s emotional response to Ebola.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

11 - 04 - 14

US Ebola Research Priorities: Training, Training, Training

Donna Gallagher, MSN, MA, instructor in family medicine & community health and nursing and co-director of the UMMS Office of Global Health, took part in a IOM workshop that addressed what research needs to be done to deal with the Ebola epidemic.Medscape

11 - 03 - 14

Addiction policy must be evidence-based

An op-ed by Robin E. Clark, PhD, professor of family medicine and community health, calls for better, evidence-based treatments for opioid addiction.CommonWealth

11 - 03 - 14

Data Published in Human Gene Therapy Clinical Development Support Safety of AGTC's AAV Vector Manufacturing Process

Terence R. Flotte, MD, theCelia and Isaac Haidak Professor in Medical Education, dean of the School of Medicine and provost and executive deputy chancellor, is quoted in an article about new data that further validates the safety of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) used to deliver gene therapy treatments.CNN Money

11 - 03 - 14

Massachusetts Courts Partner With UMass Medical School

The Worcester Trial Court has announced the creation of a Specialty Courts Center of Excellence at UMass Medical School. The center will work with specialty courts that focus on defendants with substance abuse and mental health problems and will be run by Ira K. Packer, PhD, clinical professor of psychiatry.WGBHFox BostonCBS Springfield

Nursing home residents with advanced dementia often receive medications of questionable benefit with costly consequences, according to a new study by Jennifer Tjia, MD, MSCE, associate professor of quantitative health sciences.Anesthesiology News

Amy Weinstock, director of the Autism Insurance Resource Center, is quoted in an article about a five-year Medicaid agreement that brings $20 billion in federal money to Massachusetts in support of improved health care and delivery innovation, including autism services for young children. Mass.govWBUR Common Health

10 - 31 - 14

Interview: Dr. Richard Sacra genas van Ebola

Rick Sacra, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, talks about his recovery from Ebola. RTL TV New York

10 - 31 - 14

UMass researchers expand use of light to treat cancer

An international group of scientists led by Gang Han, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, has combined a new type of nanoparticle with an FDA-approved photodynamic therapy to effectively kill deep-set cancer cells in vivo with minimal damage to surrounding tissue and fewer side effects than chemotherapy. This promising new treatment strategy could expand the current use of photodynamic therapies to access deep-set cancer tumors.Oncology CentralNews MedicalMed IndiaWorcester Business JournalAZO Nano

Life sciences in region looks ahead at panel in Worcester

Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and distinguished professor of molecular medicine and cell biology, is quoted in an article about the need for the region’s life sciences industry to work together. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

10 - 29 - 14

The Road To Hope In Liberia

An op-ed by Chancellor Michael F. Collins asks that others follow the lead of UMass Medical School and its faculty in assisting Liberia’s overburdened health care system meet the demands imposed by the devastation of the Ebola outbreak.WBUR

10 - 29 - 14

UMass Medical School, Georgia company to partner in clinical study

LumaMed and the UMass Medical School announced a clinical study using LumaMed's LumaScan imaging platform, which is designed to help surgeons visualize cancerous tissue on the margins of excised solid tumors during breast cancer surgery. Ashraf Khan, MD, professor of pathology is quoted in the story.Worcester Business JournalYahoo Finance

10 - 28 - 14

Studying Neuropathic Pain, at a Snail's Pace

Ann R. Rittenhouse, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and physiological systems, talks about research that could lead to the development of neuropathic pain therapies.Anesthesiology News

10 - 28 - 14

UMass Ebola Panel Addresses Questions, Concerns

Donna Gallagher, MSN, MA, instructor in family medicine & community health and nursing and co-director of the UMMS Office of Global Health, was part of a panel at UMass Amherst that addressed concerns about Ebola.WGGB Fox Springfield

10 - 28 - 14

UMass Medical School to run center to aid courts on addiction, mental health

The Worcester Trial Court has announced the creation of a Specialty Courts Center of Excellence at UMass Medical School. The center will work with specialty courts that focus on defendants with substance abuse and mental health problems and will be run by Ira K. Packer, PhD, clinical professor of psychiatry.Worcester Telegram & GazetteMass.gov

10 - 27 - 14

200 Experts to Discuss and Shape the Future of Brain Health, Gathered Around a Virtual Table

Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry, is taking part in the 2014 SharpBrains Virtual Summit which features over 40 of the world’s top scientists and innovators working on ways to enhance brain fitness via neuroscience-based innovation.Houston Chronicle

10 - 27 - 14

Better chemotherapy through targeted delivery

Urvashi M. Upadhyay, MD, assistant professor of neurosurgery, was the lead author of a study that suggests that delivering chemotherapy directly into the brain may offer a better way to treat tumors that have metastasized to the brain.MIT NewsHealth CanalDrug Discovery & Development

10 - 27 - 14

Ebola: Fear Not

Katherine Luzuriaga, MD, associate provost for global health, explains how the Ebola virus infects patients and how it has devastated the country of Liberia.WCVB Chronicle

10 - 27 - 14

Ebola's front line

An editorial by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette lauds the collective expertise found at UMass Medical School, which will be a truly priceless ally in the battle against Ebola. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

10 - 27 - 14

Local Liberians Fight Stigma

A story about how Worcester’s large Liberian population is reacting to the Ebola outbreak references UMass Medical School’s long relationship with the country of Liberia and includes comments from Chancellor Michael F. Collins.WCVB Chronicle

10 - 27 - 14

Mass. Patients Await Access To Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

James B. Broadhurst, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, is interviewed for a story related to the delays by the Department of Public Health in the implementation process for the opening of medical marijuana dispensaries.WGBH

10 - 27 - 14

New book tells backstory of birth control pill development in Worcester

"The Birth of the Pill, How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex and Launched a Revolution," talks about the discovery of the birth control pill invented by a team of scientists including Dr. Gregory G. Pincus, renowned reproductive biologist and co-founder of the Worcester Foundation.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

10 - 26 - 14

Photo exhibit celebrates the lives and spirits of disabled

A photo exhibit at the University of Massachusetts Medical School's Lamar Soutter Library called "Our Stories: Celebrating Four Decades of Living in the Community," captures the obstacles that lay in the path of many individuals with disabilities and celebrates the spirit of those who overcame them.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

10 - 23 - 14

New ALS-associated Gene Identified

A team of international scientists led by John Landers, PhD, professor of neurology, has shown that TUBA4A, the gene encoding the Tubulin Alpha 4A protein, is associated with the familial form of the neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Bioscience TechnologyMedical News Today

Worcester program gives young students hands-on medical experience

Deborah Harmon Hines, PhD, vice provost of school services and professor of cell biology, talks to WCVB about the Worcester Pipeline Collaborative, part of a grant program aimed at increasing the number of under-represented students in health care professions.WCVB Channel 5

10 - 15 - 14

Ebola survivor Richard Sacra: what we must do next

Rick Sacra, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, talks to Boston Magazine about how well-meaning efforts to stop the Ebola epidemic in Liberia are devastating the country’s health care system.Boston Globe

An Unforgettable Cry

Stuart A. Weisberger, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics; and Alan Peter Picarillo, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, are quoted in an article about babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a term used to describe the cluster of symptoms which may be displayed by babies whose mothers used prescription or illegal opiates during pregnancy. Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of pediatric surgery, chief of pediatric surgery & trauma and Worcester's interim commissioner of public health, is also quoted in the article.Worcester Magazine

10 - 09 - 14

March of Dimes set to host Signature Chefs Auction

Lynda M. Young, MD, clinical professor of pediatrics, will receive the March of Dimes Community Leadership Award at the annual Central Massachusetts March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction scheduled for Oct. 20 in Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

10 - 08 - 14

A New Target for Controlling Inflammation?

Katherine A. Fitzgerald, PhD, professor of medicine, co-authored an article providing a detailed overview of the multi-layered gene regulation systems that are activated when the immune system recognizes a pathogen or other external danger signal.Health Canal

10 - 08 - 14

Even motivated dieters need close access to healthy food

A new study from UMass Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health finds that not having close access to healthy foods can discourage even the most motivated dieters. The study by Wenjun Li, PhD, et. al. was published online Oct. 7 by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.Psych CentralMedical News TodayMedical XpressNews MedicalZee News

10 - 08 - 14

How could technology help Latino’s manage diabetes?

David M. Harlan, MD, the William and Doris Krupp Professor in Medicine and professor of medicine, is quoted in an article about the high rate of Latinos who are at risk of developing diabetes.VOXII

10 - 08 - 14

New UMMS study shows medications of questionable benefit used in advanced dementia

Nursing home residents with advanced dementia often receive medications of questionable benefit with costly consequences, according to a new study by Jennifer Tjia, MD, MSCE, associate professor of quantitative health sciences.Health Canal

Oliver Rando, MD, PhD, professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, has received one of 10 highly competitive NIH Director’s Pioneer Awards, which challenge investigators to develop groundbreaking approaches in biomedical or behavioral science. Dr. Rando’s project, “Role for small RNAs in sperm in control of offspring metabolism,” will focus on how a father’s diet can influence the metabolism of his children. Worcester Business Journal

10 - 07 - 14

Coordinated Telehealth Is Key to Health Care’s New Normal

An op-ed about efficiency in the health care industry references a recent study lead by Craig M. Lilly, MD, professor of medicine, which found that patients who received their ICU care as part of an eICU program were 26 percent more likely to survive the ICU and 16 percent more likely to survive hospitalization and be discharged. US News & World Report

10 - 04 - 14

Genetic Secrets of the Monarch Butterfly Revealed

An article about a recently published paper in Nature about Monarch butterflies. The paper was coauthored by Steven Reppert, MD, the Higgins Family Professor of Neuroscience and distinguished professor of neurobiology.Science CodexScience NewslineLab Product News

10 - 03 - 14

Down syndrome: what is the current focus of research?

Jeanne B. Lawrence, PhD, professor of cell & developmental biology, talks about her research discovery that the extra chromosome linked to Down syndrome known as trisomy 21 could potentially be “switched off”. Medical News Today

10 - 03 - 14

Monitoring "Developmental Milestones" in Kids

Elaine M. Gabovitch, MPA, instructor in family medicine & community health, joined NECN to discuss her work with the Centers for Disease Control and the Boston Children’s Museum to help parents track and celebrate developmental milestones in kids.NECNComcast Sportsnet

10 - 03 - 14

What good is basic research?

An op-ed written by Thoru Pederson, PhD, the Vitold Arnett Professor of Cell & developmental biology and professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, explains how basic science discoveries made in Worcester have aided the quest to find a cure for Ebola and why funding for basic scientific research is critical.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

10 - 02 - 14

"Of course I was concerned that I might die"

A healthy but tired Rick Sacra, MD, read a statement and took questions at a press conference at UMass Medical School on Sept. 26, confirming that he likely contracted Ebola while caring for patients at ELWA Hospital in Liberia.The LandmarkUSA Today

Quest Diagnostics unveiled its new state-of-the-art clinical test laboratory in Marlborough. About a dozen physicians and medical faculty employed by UMass Memorial Medical Group and the University of Massachusetts Medical School will provide scientific leadership for several facets of laboratory testing for the Marlborough lab. They will also counsel the region's physicians in the selection and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests, collaborate on R&D, and assist with residency programs onsite for the University's medical students.Market Watch

10 - 01 - 14

A new target for controlling inflammation? Long non-coding RNAs fine-tune the immune system

Katherine A. Fitzgerald, PhD, professor of medicine, co-authored a review article providing a detailed overview of the multi-layered gene regulation systems that are activated when the immune system recognizes a pathogen or other external danger signal.Medical XpressLatinos Health

Dr. DeBenedectis Discusses Breast Cancer Prevention with Senator

Nuclear Cartography

Job Dekker, PhD, co-director of the Program in Systems Biology and professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, talks about mapping long-range DNA interactions as part of the ENCODE project.The Scientist

10 - 01 - 14

Suicide prevention gathering at Smith College

Barry Feldman, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the UMMS Psychiatry Programs in Public Safety, spoke to 22 News about a program on suicide prevention being held at Smith College.WWLP 22 News

09 - 30 - 14

New Research Reveals That Dolphins Are Sensitive To Magnetic Stimuli

An article about dolphins’ sensitivity to magnetic stimuli references research by Steven Reppert, MD, the Higgins Family Professor of Neuroscience and distinguished professor of neurobiology, examining how migratory monarch butterflies use an internal compass and skylight cues to navigate.Red Orbit

09 - 29 - 14

Liberians, friends in Worcester pray for stop of Ebola

Donna Gallagher, MSN, MA, instructor in family medicine & community health and nursing and co-director of the UMMS Office of Global Health, is quoted in an article about ongoing support for Ebola patients in Liberia.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

09 - 28 - 14

Massachusetts DA to host suicide prevention course

Barry Feldman, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the UMMS Psychiatry Programs in Public Safety, will be presenting “Lifelines”, a four-part program on suicide prevention, at Smith College.WWLP 22 News

Mentioned in an article about The Community Harvest Project is a recent project they’ve piloted in conjunction with UMMS students who are developing a food pharmacy model used to promote healthy food choices.Worcester Magazine

09 - 24 - 14

UMass Medical School Research Funding

James Leary, Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations, talks about the decrease in research funding at yesterday’s panel discussion on NIH funding with US Rep. James P. McGovern. The discussion panel included Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor in Medical Education, dean of the School of Medicine and provost and executive deputy chancellor; Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD, the Leo P. and Theresa M. LaChance Chair in Medical Research and chair and professor of neurology; and Katherine Luzuriaga, MD, professor of molecular medicine, pediatrics and medicine, and associate provost for global health.Worcester News Tonight Charter TV3

09 - 23 - 14

Fragile X Program Scores $35M NIH Award

Joel D. Richter, Ph.D., professor of molecular medicine, in collaboration with Gary J. Bassell, Ph.D., at Emory University, and Eric Klann, Ph.D., at New York University have received NIH funding to study three molecules that appear to play important underlying roles in Fragile X syndrome and could be potential targets for future drug development.Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

09 - 23 - 14

Gene Linked to Development of Skin Cancer in Mice

An article about enzymes linked to cancer skin tumors in mice mentions the research of Paul Thompson, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology.Bioscience Technology

09 - 23 - 14

Treating Mild Hypertension With Drugs May Be Misdirected

A study by Stephen A. Martin, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, found that prescribing medications to some patients at a low risk for hypertension does not improve outcomes and wastes health care resources.Medscape Medical News

09 - 23 - 14

UMass doctor receives a large grant for cutting edge research into Pediatric cancer

We are UMass Medical School (Convocation week 2014) – Video

UMass Worcester celebrated the start of the academic year with a week of Convocation 2014 events, recognizing faculty and students. This video highlights ceremonies honoring the achievements of the School of Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Graduate School of Nursing, and captures Chancellor Collins’ promise in his annual address of ‘moments of exhilaration and success’ for the academic medical center.IPS Cell TherapyGrays Medicine

09 - 22 - 14

3D printing enters new world at UMass Medical School

Jie Song, PhD, associate professor of orthopedics and physical rehabilitation, explains how using a 3D printer expedites research into novel materials that can be used to accelerate the regeneration of bone material.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Health was a top priority on Beacon Hill

UMass students administer flu shots at the State House Health Fair. James Leary, vice chancellor for community and government relations, and Michele P. Pugnaire, MD, professor of family medicine & community health and medicine and senior associate dean for educational affairs, are quoted in the article.WWLP TV-22 News Springfield

09 - 18 - 14

Massachusetts Army National Guard Is Fighting A War Against Suicide

In an article about the rising number of suicides in the National Guard, Barry N. Feldman, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of Psychiatry Programs in Public Safety at UMass Medical School, talks about the need to expand suicide prevention training to soldier’s families.WBUR

09 - 18 - 14

When Muscular Dystrophy Is Personal — And Global

In an article about Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), Peter Lawrence Jones, PhD, associate professor of cell and developmental biology, talks about his research into the biology of the disease.WBUR’s Common Health

09 - 17 - 14

UMass researcher: Flu potentially more deadly than Ebola

At a recent Science Café Woo, Christopher M. Sassetti, PhD, associate professor of microbiology & physiological systems, explains when an influenza pandemic would be more deadly than the Ebola virus.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

09 - 16 - 14

You May Not Really Need Your Blood Pressure Medication

A study by Stephen A. Martin, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, found that prescribing medications to some patients at a low risk for hypertension does not improve outcomes —and wastes healthcare resources.Parade

09 - 15 - 14

Busy Worcester juvenile court sees fallout of opiate crisis

An article about the rise in drug-related cases for the Worcester County Juvenile Court includes comments from Alan Picarillo, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, about the increase in newborns addicted to drugs.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Why mindfulness? A case for detached awareness

An article about using mindfulness practices to combat a variety of health issues brought on by stress talks about the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness. Saki Santorelli, EdD, MA, executive director for the Center for Mindfulness is quoted in the article.Mother Nature Network

09 - 11 - 14

Respiratory virus sweeping country is likely to hit Massachusetts

Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of pediatric surgery, chief of pediatric surgery & trauma and Worcester’s interim commissioner of public health, and Christina R. Hermos, MD, MS, assistant professor of pediatrics, are quoted in an article about the outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a severe respiratory virus that is sickening children in the Midwest and Southeast.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

09 - 11 - 14

Crying foul: Report uses Red Sox data to spotlight MLB fan injuries

An article about injuries suffered by fans while attending Major League Baseball games refers to a study by Andrew M. Milsten, MD, associate professor of emergency medicine. Boston Business Journal

09 - 11 - 14

More than one way to fight Ebola

An article about Richard Amsden Sacra, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, the third American doctor to be diagnosed with Ebola, mentions that UMass Medical School is collecting donations through its Globe Health program. The Landmark

Caring 101: A Simple Lesson For The First Days Of Medical School

An op-ed by Chancellor Michael F. Collins talks about the privilege of caring for others as first year medical students embark on careers of healing.WBUR

09 - 08 - 14

NIH Awards More than $1M in microRNA Grant Funding in September

Wen Xue, PhD, assistant professor of molecular medicine, was awarded an NIH grant to study the potential of miR-34a as a treatment for lung cancer, with the goal of establishing technologies that can be used to study the therapeutic potential of other miRNAs, as well.Gene Silencing News

09 - 07 - 14

Ahead of the game: Area sports programs tackle concussions

J. Herbert Stevenson, MD, assistant professor of family medicine and community health, is quoted in an article about concussions in young athletes.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

To help address the high level of food insecurity among patients, medical students Elizabeth Rosen, SOM 2017; Kathryn Bailey, SOM 2017; and Rachel Erdil, SOM 2017 started the Farm to Health Center Initiative in July. The program offers free vegetables and fruits grown at the Community Harvest Project in Grafton to hundreds of families on Thursday mornings at Family Health Center.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Prior to taking the Ice Bucket Challenge Jill A. Zitzewitz, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology; Daryl A. Bosco, PhD, associate professor of neurology; John Landers, PhD, professor of neurology, and Osman S. Bilsel, PhD, research associate professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology explain how their research at UMMS is bringing scientists closer to finding a cure for ALS.IPS Cell Therapy

09 - 01 - 14

Boomer Health: Is ALS breakthrough imminent?

An article about the Ice Bucket Challenge and funds raised for ALS research references the clinical trial at UMMS.The Palm Beach Post

09 - 01 - 14

Will money raised from Ice Bucket Challenges yield cure for ALS?

Chair and Professor of Neurology Robert H. Brown, Jr. explains how donations raised from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge social media campaign will aid the latest research to find a cure for ALS.Boston GlobeNew York Daily News

08 - 30 - 14

Donald Berwick pushes single-payer health plan

Katharine London, principle associate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Health Law and Economics, is quoted in an article about gubernatorial candidate Donald Berwick’s proposal to create a single-payer health care system for Massachusetts.Boston Globe

08 - 29 - 14

HIV cure failure in Mississippi baby 'the beginning of a new chapter'

UMMS is referenced in an article about the return of HIV in the Mississippi baby believed to have been functionally cured of the virus.Medical News Today

08 - 27 - 14

Police must help protect mentally ill from needlessly violent deaths

An op-ed written by Frank M. Gatti, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, about the recent killing of a young man in St. Louis who suffered from mental illness.Daily Hampshire Gazette

The University of Massachusetts Foundation, which manages the $750 million endowment of the five UMass campuses, has named Charles Pagnam as its full-time fundraising director, UMass announced Monday.Boston Business Journal

08 - 26 - 14

Woman Shaves Head for Cancer Awareness

Charity Grzelecki, call center manager at UMass Medical School affiliate UHeathSolutions, shaved her head after surpassing her UMass Medicine Cancer Walk fundraising goal of $1,000, according to a report on Charter TV3 Worcester News Tonight and New England Cable News.NECNWorcester Telegram & Gazette

08 - 25 - 14

Is ResearchGate Facebook for science?

Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, comments on a social networking site dedicated to science and research.Science

08 - 22 - 14

Autism: Paying the Price for Treatment

Maura Buckley, MPA, a product manager for UHealth Solutions, and Amy Weinstock, director of the Autism Insurance Resource Center at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, talked about their experiences related to accessing health care and behavioral services for children with autism spectrum disorder in a segment that aired on WCVB-TV’s Chronicle.Chronicle WCVB-TV

08 - 22 - 14

Guest View: The time to change this spitting image is now

Richard Pieters, M.D, clinical associate professor of radiation oncology, co-authored an op-ed piece on the message major league players who chew tobacco are sending to young fans.South Coast Today

08 - 22 - 14

Recent high school graduate conducts research in Nobel Prize winner’s lab

Marlborough resident Gregory Konar recently finished his internship in Nobel Prize laureate Craig Mello’s laboratory at UMass Medical School. Konar worked in Mello’s lab to characterize a drug that would track a protein turned off by many tumors.Community Advocate

08 - 21 - 14

Boston’s intellect could boost Olympics

In an op-ed piece looking to Boston area colleges and universities to help find solutions to the challenges of hosting the Olympics, UMass Medical School is noted for being one of the world-class hospitals and medical centers in the area.Boston Globe

Chair and Professor of Neurology Robert H. Brown, Jr., DPhil, MD, is quoted in an article about the recent announcement by former NFL player Tim Shaw that has been diagnosed with ALS.WCVB TVABC NewsABC News RadioEuropean News

08 - 20 - 14

Health Watch Fall Sports Preparedness

Nicola Anthony Deangelis, MD, assistant professor of orthopedics and physical rehabilitation, offers advice to athletes on how to prepare for fall sports.Charter TV3

08 - 20 - 14

Newborn screening expansion offers early diagnosis and treatment to infants with SCID

Data from 11 newborn screening programs, including the New England Newborn Screening Program, showed that newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency can be successfully implemented across public health newborn screening programs, according to a new study published in the Aug. 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Anne Marie Comeau, PhD, deputy director of the New England Newborn Screening Program and professor of pediatrics and Beverly Hay, MD, chief of pediatric genetics and assistant professor of pediatrics, were quoted in the article.Science DailyNews MedicalScience CodexScience NewslineBio-Medicine

08 - 19 - 14

Could This Rash Mean Malignancy?

Jonathan Kay, MD, professor of medicine, shares the case of a patient with a rash which is now thought to be a malignant tumor.Medscape Rheumatology

With electronic access, patients play active role in health records

Med students make health fundraising, awareness social

An article about students using social media includes references to the recent Ice Bucket Challenge video featuring Chancellor Michael F. Collins and Professor of Neurology Robert H. Brown, Jr.AMA Wire

Worcester celebrates Latino culture

Students from the University of Massachusetts Medical School offered free blood-pressure screenings at the 2014 Latin American Festival held on Saturday.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

08 - 15 - 14

Engaged couple shares life, love and FSHD

Charles P. Emerson, Jr., PhD, director of the Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center and professor of cell and developmental biology, talks to WCVB about Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), an inherited form of muscular dystrophy that initially affects the skeletal muscles of the face, scapula and upper arms and eventually leads to paralysis.WCVB-TV Boston

In a profile interview with the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Antonia "Toni" McGuire, R.N., president and chief executive officer of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, praises UMass Medical School and the Graduate School of Nursing for the quality of its nursing graduates.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

08 - 07 - 14

Why the Hepatitis Cure Sovaldi Is a Budgetary Disaster for Prisons

Warren J. Ferguson, MD, professor of family medicine & community health, is quoted in an article about the cost of treating inmates with a new hepatitis C drug.New York Times

08 - 06 - 14

More on Sleeping Pills and Older Adults

Jerry H. Gurwitz, MD, the Dr. John Meyers Professor of Primary Care Medicine and professor of medicine and family medicine & community health, is quoted in an article about adverse drug reactions involving sedatives prescribed to the elderly which result in emergency room visits.Star TribuneNew York TimesWorcester Telegram & Gazette

08 - 06 - 14

Target self-perceptions to help kids with healthy weight loss: study

Han-Yang Chen, a doctoral student in the GSBS, talks about a recent study which found that many overweight children don’t see themselves as obese or overweight.PsychCentralPharmacy TimesReuters

All Germs Are Not Created Equal

Celia Schiffer, PhD, professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, is taking part in a panel discussion of the documentary “Resistance”, which chronicles the rise of antibiotic resistance in the 21st century.The UC Santa Barbara Current

Ebola outbreak highlights need for IU-Liberia health collaboration

An article about the Ebola outbreak in Liberia references the Center for Excellence in Health and Life Sciences launched in 2012. The program, a partnership between UMass Medical School, University of Liberia (UL) and Indiana University (IU), was established to improve medical care for war-torn Liberians by establishing health care training programs in the impoverished African nation.Indiana University

08 - 01 - 14

Ideas welcomed on Cellucci memorial

An article about Hudson officials looking for ideas on how to honor former Governor Paul Cellucci references the Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race which will be held this Saturday, Aug. 2nd in Hudson. Proceeds will benefit the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund for ALS research at UMMS.MetroWest Daily News

08 - 01 - 14

Real Faculty Flexibility

An article about offering flexible work options to faculty includes comments from Luanne E. Thorndyke, MD, FACP, professor of medicine.Insider Higher Ed

Physicians support more flexible prescription regs, call for more analysis

Study supports newborn screening for ‘bubble boy disease’

Anne Marie Comeau, PhD, professor of pediatrics and deputy director of the New England Newborn Screening Program, is quoted in a story about a recent study in the NEJM which found that children with SCID who received treatment within three-and-a-half months of birth had the highest rates of survival. Boston Globe

07 - 30 - 14

Health Watch Gout

Trend sees advanced practice nurses sharing doctor caseloads

Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor in Medicine, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine; Paulette Seymour Route, PhD, dean of Graduate School of Nursing; and Richard Pieters, M.D, clinical associate professor of radiation oncology, are quoted in an article about the potential role advanced practice nurses can play in meeting demand for primary health care services.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

07 - 30 - 14

UMass ALS Run

Colin C. Quinn, MD, MSPT, instructor in neurology, talks about the Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race which will be held this Saturday, Aug. 2nd in Hudson. Julie Bowditch, administrative assistant in development and Sarah Pelletier, stewardship officer in development, explained why they are running the race. Proceeds will benefit the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund for ALS research at UMMS.Worcester News Tonight

07 - 28 - 14

VA Gets Billions To Fix Problems

An article about a $17 billion bi-partisan Congressional bill to provide veterans with improved access to health care says UMass Medical School could potentially be part of the project and is “currently in active conversations with the VA to explore ways that it can improve access to health care, particularly access to specialists, close to home for veterans in the area.”WBZ-TV Boston

07 - 28 - 14

Worcester adds tax exemption to lure business

James Leary, vice chancellor for community and government relations, is quoted in an article about Worcester’s plan to offer tax breaks to biotech companies as an incentive for them to relocate to the city. The article mentions that UMass Medicine Science Park, a cluster of laboratory buildings off Plantation Street owned by UMMS, has space available for lease.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

More than 700 sign up for Cellucci 5K in Hudson

The late Governor Paul Cellucci’s wife, Jan, continues his campaign to raise money for ALS research. Part of her efforts include the Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race which will be held Aug. 2 in his hometown of Hudson. Proceeds will benefit the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund for ALS research at UMMS.MetroWest Daily NewsWicked Local Hudson

Tests suggest limits to Vertex’s cystic fibrosis treatment

Brian P. O’Sullivan, MD, a professor of pediatrics, talks about a new study which showed medications used in an experimental two-drug regimen for cystic fibrosis patients interfered with each other.Boston Globe

Joe Nocera commentary: Personalized medicine pushes drug costs higher

Life-threatening reactions to diet drug on the rise in the UK

Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, explains how the drug DNP, or 2,4-Dinitrophenol, banned in the U.S. and often used by dieters thanks to online sales, causes the body to overheat and kill brain cells.Reuters HealthChicago TribuneTimes of Oman

07 - 21 - 14

Medical records find evidence linking autism to obesity

Carol Curtin, MSW, research assistant professor of family medicine & community health, is quoted in an article about the number of autistic children and adolescents who are overweight or obese.Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative

07 - 18 - 14

Phantoms offer realistic non-rigid motion

Arda Könik, radiology postdoctoral research fellow, talks about a new technique developed to supplement PET and SPECT scans using a series of individual-specific XCAT phantoms that model non-rigid respiratory and body motion.Medical Physics Web

07 - 18 - 14

Rebound taking hold in Central, Western Mass.

The University of Massachusetts Medical School is credited, in part, for life sciences boom in Central and Western Massachusetts.Boston GlobeBoston Globe

07 - 17 - 14

Neuroscience Might Be Taking Over the World

Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine and psychiatry and director of research at the Center for Mindfulness, talks about the neurological causes of addiction and how non biological therapies such as mindfulness can change the brain and be used to treat addiction.Liberty Voice

07 - 17 - 14

Pill Man: One man’s fight to overcome opiate addiction

Alexander Blount, EdD, professor of family medicine & community health, and Christine N. Runyan, PhD, clinical associate professor of family medicine & community health, are quoted in a story about a man’s 15-year addiction to pain medication and his struggle to overcome addiction.Worcester Magazine

Drugs for the Rarest Rheumatic Diseases

Beth Israel Deaconess launches RNA institute

Phillip D. Zamore, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, the Gretchen Stone Cook Chair of Biomedical Sciences and professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, is quoted in a story about the new Institute for RNA Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.Boston Globe

07 - 15 - 14

HIV appears again in child thought cured

The child known as the “Mississippi baby”—an infant seemingly cured of HIV that was reported as a case study of a prolonged remission of HIV infection in The New England Journal of Medicine last fall—now has detectable levels of HIV after more than two years of not taking antiretroviral therapy without evidence of virus, according to the pediatric HIV specialist and researchers involved in the case, including UMass Medical School immunologist Katherine Luzuriaga, MD.Health CanalThe IndependentBoston GlobeBustleNPRNew York TimesReutersWall Street JournalCNNNBC NewsCBS News

Jay S. Himmelstein, MD, MPH, professor of family medicine & community health and medicine, is quoted in an article about overhauling Medicaid payment and delivery methods.Modern Healthcare

07 - 14 - 14

Foul Territory

Andrew M. Milsten, MD, associate professor of emergency medicine, is quoted in an article about the potential for baseball fans sitting in unprotected seats to suffer severe head injuries from batted balls.Atlanta Magazine

07 - 14 - 14

UMass awards $865K to science and tech research projects, $35K more than 2013

President Robert L. Caret announced $865,000 in grants from the President's Science and Technology Initiatives Fund. The funds will support seven promising faculty research projects ranging from using big data analytics in climatology and health care to developing radar-like laser technology known as LIDAR to study wind energy and ocean and forested environments.Boston Business Journal

Sunday: July 13, 2014: Health Check Up

Shums Alikhan, clinical research assistant, joined Sunday’s edition of CityLine to talk about the SCRIPTT study program, which seeks to address how language barriers and cultural disconnects lead to medical distrust. WCVB BostonWCVB Boston

07 - 11 - 14

If You Find A Tick: Why I Resorted To Mooching Pills To Fight Lyme Disease

George Abraham, MD, MPH, clinical professor of medicine and governor of the American College of Physicians for the state of Massachusetts, talks to WBUR about guidelines that recommend using a single dose of the antibiotic doxycycline as a prophylactic to prevent Lyme disease.WBUR

07 - 10 - 14

How Addiction Can Affect Brain Connections

Scientists at UMass Medical School have found that addiction appears to permanently affect the connections between areas of the brain to almost “hard-wire” the brain to support the addiction. They are now investigating the role mindfulness can play in deactivating the part of the brain that experiences addiction. Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine and psychiatry and director of research at the Center for Mindfulness; Joseph R. Difranza, MD, professor of family medicine & community health; Andrew R. Tapper, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and interim director of the Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute; and Jean A. King, associate provost for biomedical research and professor of psychiatry, are quoted in the story.WBUR Radio BostonWBUR CommonHealth

07 - 10 - 14

Institute for Healthcare Improvement Seeks Progress in Total Joint Replacement

David Ayers, MD, the Arthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics and chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation, is quoted in an article about the newly formed Joint Replacement Learning Community, which seeks to bring together 32 medical centers worldwide with expertise in joint and orthopedic medicine to look at ways to improve costs and patient outcomes associated with total hip and knee joint replacement.Ortho Spine News

Massachusetts face to face with Lyme disease patient protection bill

Mom's environment during pregnancy can affect her grandchildren

Oliver J. Rando, MD, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, comments on a new study which suggests that a mother’s environment during pregnancy can alter the expression of DNA passed to offspring and future generations.PBS NewshourScienceThe Scientist

How childhood trauma could be mistaken for ADHD

Heather Forkey, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, offers recommendations for diagnosing children with ADHD. The Atlantic

07 - 08 - 14

As Medical Science Gets Better At IDing Defects Before Birth, Some Question What Could Be Lost

An article about companies offering new prenatal DNA tests that screen for conditions like Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that causes developmental disabilities references research by Jeanne B. Lawrence, PhD, professor of cell & developmental biology, that the extra chromosome linked to Down syndrome could potentially be “switched off.”WFCR, New England Public Radio

07 - 05 - 14

Jan Cellucci continues to fight against ALS

The late Governor Paul Cellucci’s wife continues his campaign to find a cure for ALS. She’s directing the Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race which will be held Aug. 2 in his hometown of Hudson. Proceeds will benefit the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund for ALS research at UMMS. Chancellor Michael F. Collins and Robert H. Brown, Jr., DPhil, MD, Leo P. and Theresa M. LaChance Chair in Medical Research, chair and professor of neurology, are quoted in the article. Alumna Diane M. Riccio, PhD “03 and her husband have pledged $1 million to the UMass ALS Fund, the largest alumni donation ever to UMass Medical School.Boston GlobeCommunity Advocate

07 - 01 - 14

Disabilities can bolster diversity

UMass Medical School’s Work Without Limits program helps a Marshfield man who is paralyzed from the neck down find full-time employment answering phone calls about insurance claims and benefits for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Kathy Petkauskos, senior program director for Work Without Limits, is quoted in the story.Boston Globe

06 - 30 - 14

Timing knee and hip replacements

New research data gathered from the FORCE-TJR database by Patricia D. Franklin, MD, MBA, MPH, professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation and family medicine & community health, and David Ayers, MD, the Arthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics and chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation, identifies optimal ages for joint replacement surgery.Boston Globe

06 - 24 - 14

Monarch butterflies use magnetic compass to migrate

Steven Reppert, MD, the Higgins Family Professor of Neuroscience and distinguished professor of neurobiology has identified a new component of the complex navigational system that allows monarch butterflies to transverse the 2,000 miles to their overwintering habitat each year. USA TodayNational GeographicWCVB Channel 5

06 - 24 - 14

UMass Medical School investigator named 2014 Pew Scholar

Brian A. Kelch, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, has been named a 2014 Pew Scholar by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences provides $240,000 in funding over four years to young investigators of outstanding promise who are doing biomedical research relevant to the advancement of human health. Dr. Kelch is one of 22 early career researchers named to this year’s class and the seventh UMMS faculty to receive the award. Phsy.org

06 - 24 - 14

UMMS scientist named 2014 Pew Latin American Fellow in the biomedical sciences

Postdoctoral scholar Alejandro Vasquez-Rifo, PhD, was named one of nine 2014 Pew Latin American Fellow in the Biomedical Sciences today by The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Pew Latin American Fellow program allows early-career scientists from Latin America to train in top U.S. laboratories and develop skills and connections that will help them become scientific leaders in their home countries. Phys.org

06 - 23 - 14

First Wind Marks Start of Commercial Operations at Second Largest Solar Project in Massachusetts

John Baker, associate vice chancellor of facilities, talks about the advantages of solar power and the 30-year agreements UMass Medical School recently signed with three solar farms in Western Massachusetts. Over the course of the agreements, UMMS is projected to save a third off its current energy costs—an equivalent of $715,000 annually at today’s rates. Digital Journal

06 - 23 - 14

Knee Replacement and Revision Surgeries on the Rise

Jacob Drew, MD, resident in orthopedics, talks about a recent study which found that the number of total knee replacements increased with the greatest increase among people younger than 65.Ortho Spine News

06 - 23 - 14

Medical Marijuana 101: Mass. Doctors Head To The Classroom

Alan Ehrlich, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health, offers recommendations to physicians at the Massachusetts Medical Society’s first continuing education course on the use of marijuana to treat medical issues. WBUR's CommonHealth

06 - 20 - 14

Births of drug-addicted babies on the rise

Alan Picarillo, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, comments on new federal research which shows that the number of babies born in Massachusetts with opiates in their system is more than triple the national rate.Eagle-Tribune

06 - 19 - 14

More support for texting to help smokers quit

Joseph R. Difranza, MD, professor of family medicine & community health, talks about a new support program that uses text-messages to help people quit smoking.ReutersThe Star Online

06 - 18 - 14

Victor Ambros named co-recipient of 2014 Gruber Genetics Prize

Victor R. Ambros, PhD, professor of molecular medicine, has been co-awarded the 2014 Gruber Genetics Prize for his pioneering discoveries of the existence and function of microRNAs and small interfering RNAs.Phys.OrgPhilanthropy News Digest GoLocal Worcester

06 - 17 - 14

$4.4M health grant to help Union Hill improve lifestyles

UMass Medical School’s Worcester Prevention Research Center has been awarded a $4.4 million from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to focus on reducing obesity and eliminating health disparities in the Union Hill neighborhood of Worcester. Stephenie Lemon, PhD, associate professor of medicine and co-director of the center with Milagros Rosal, PhD, professor of medicine, spoke to the Telegram & Gazette about the grant and its goals.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

06 - 17 - 14

5 over-the-counter meds you use that don’t really work

In an article about the effectiveness of many over-the-counter drugs, Richard S. Irwin, MD, professor of medicine, said that the doses of the most commonly used and effective cough suppressants (codeine or dextromethorphan) found in over the counter cough medicines are too low to be effective. Salon

06 - 17 - 14

One episode of binge drinking is too much

A new study on binge drinking by Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, found that a single episode of excessive drinking can have significant negative health effects resulting in bacteria leaking from the gut, leading to increased levels of toxins in the blood.Examiner.com

Using the Latest Psoriatic Arthritis Therapy

Artificial pancreas offers hope to diabetes patients

David M. Harlan, MD, the William and Doris Krupp Professor in Medicine and professor of medicine, talks to the Boston Globe about a new bionic pancreas device in clinical trials at UMMS. The device consists of a smartphone hardwired to a continuous glucose monitor and two pumps that deliver doses of insulin or glucagon every five minutes to patients with type-1 diabetes.Boston GlobeNBC NewsCBS NewsMedical XpressWBUR's Common HealthThe Wall Street JournalNIH

06 - 16 - 14

Measles outbreaks underscore need for vaccination

With the number of measles cases in the United States hitting a 20-year high, pediatric infectious disease specialist Christina Hermos, MD, advocates for childhood vaccines that can prevent outbreaks of treatable diseases.Medical Xpress

From different sides of Tremont Street, two people forge a tie

New drug that may cure hepatitis C is costly

Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, talks about Sovaldi, a controversial new drug that can cure hepatitis C for $1,000 a pill or about $84,000 for the 12-week treatment.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

06 - 12 - 14

Health Watch Safety & Thinking Ahead

Health Watch Summer Skin Protection

Mary Maloney, MD, professor of medicine and director of dermatologic surgery, talks about protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure and what to do if you get a bad sunburn.Charter TV3 Health Watch

06 - 12 - 14

Risky teen behavior takes dive, survey says

Joseph R. Difranza, MD, professor of family medicine & community health, explains why the number of teens smoking has declined.TribLIVE.com

Physician Focus: A Heightened Alert on Infectious Disease

An op-ed by George Abraham, MD, MPH, clinical professor of medicine, takes a look at the resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses and the introduction of new infectious diseases to the United States from other countries.Community Advocate

Worcester company receives $3 million grant for herpes vaccine research

A federal research agency has awarded a $3 million grant to BioMedical Research Models Inc. for continued work on a vaccine to treat the virus linked to genital herpes. BMR was spun out from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1996.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

06 - 09 - 14

As drug development grows, so do spectrometry sales

Scott A. Shaffer, PhD, research professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, talks about the increasing role spectrometers play in scientific research.Worcester Business Journal

06 - 09 - 14

Cardio Notes: Xarelto for Seniors, Carotid Stenting Death

Jane E. Freedman, MD, professor of medicine, is quoted in a story about the use of prescription drug Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) in elderly patients.Medpage Today

Educational session planned on prescribing opioids

Booze in the dock as more indulge in binge drinking

A new study on binge drinking by Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, found that a single episode of excessive drinking can have significant negative health effects resulting in bacteria leaking from the gut, leading to increased levels of toxins in the blood.MSN Healthy LivingWine SpectatorDaily News

Honoring Len and Cherylann Gengel

Cherylann and Len Gengel were awarded honorary degrees at UMass Worcester’s Commencement for their extraordinary efforts to fulfill their daughter Britney’s last wish by building an orphanage in Haiti.Grays Medicine

06 - 03 - 14

Does pet therapy truly help? Hospitals aim to find out

An article about a clinical study to document the positive effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in helping pediatric cancer patients and their families references UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center, one of the study sites. The Tennessean

06 - 03 - 14

EcoTarium receives national award

The EcoTarium has been named a 2014 Promising Practice Award Reimagined recipient by the MetLife Foundation and Association of Children's Museums. Working together with Worcester Public Schools, autism specialists from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and CTK colleagues at Boston Children's Museum, the EcoTarium is adjusting the CTK model to offer a range of accommodations that will enable more children and their families to successfully begin school with a positive experience.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

06 - 03 - 14

Worcester News Tonight Obesity on the Rise

Mitch Gitkind, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine and medical director of the UMass Memorial Weight Center, was interviewed last week by Worcester News Tonight for a report on a recent study that found nearly a third of the world’s population is overweight or obese.Worcester News Tonight

06 - 02 - 14

UMass Medical School graduates 227

At UMass Worcester’s 41st Commencement exercises Chancellor Michael F. Collins congratulates the two hundred and twenty seven graduates who received their medical, doctoral and nursing degrees. U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, who received a Chancellor’s Medal and delivered the Commencement address, used the opportunity to call for more National Institutes of Health funding to sustain the remarkable medical research happening at institutions such as UMMS.Masslive.comWorcester Telegram & Gazette

06 - 02 - 14

Health Watch – Poison Ivy

F.D.A. Announces Stricter Rules on Tanning Beds

Mary Maloney, MD, professor of medicine and director of dermatologic surgery, and Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, are quoted in an article about stricter regulations from the FDA on the use of tanning beds for anyone under the age of 18.New York TimesMedical XpressFox 28 ColumbusDallas News

05 - 29 - 14

FDA Proposes Rule to Regulate E-Cigarettes

An article about the FDA’s push to regulate e-cigarettes and the growing concern regarding claims of health benefits contains quotes from Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry. Psychiatric News

05 - 29 - 14

Race in Hudson to honor late Gov. Cellucci

The Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race will be held Aug. 2 in his hometown of Hudson. Proceeds will benefit the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund for ALS research at UMMS.MetroWest Daily News

05 - 28 - 14

Millbury solar project complete

UMass Medical School will pay for 3 megawatts of power generated by a newly completed solar array built by Boston-based renewable energy company First Wind. UMMS has a 30-year agreement with First Wind and two other solar companies to purchase up to 12 megawatts of power. Over the course of the agreement UMMS is projected to save a third off its current energy costs—an equivalent of $715,000 annually at today’s rates.Worcester Business JournalWWLP News 22Energy Business ReviewRenewable Energy Focus

05 - 27 - 14

Delaying Total Joint Replacement Reduces Surgery Effectiveness

Using data from the UMMS-led FORCE-TJR joined replacement registry, David Ayers, MD, theArthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics, chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation and director of the Musculoskeletal Center of Excellence, has identified national norms for the timing of hip and knee replacements. Becker's Orthopedic Review

05 - 27 - 14

Just One Night Of Binge Drinking Can Take A Toll On Your Immune System

Fundraising road race will honor the late Paul Cellucci

The Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race will he held Aug. 2 in his hometown of Hudson. Proceeds will benefit the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund for ALS research at UMMS.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 26 - 14

Neurons can use local stores for communication needs

New research by Jose R. Lemos, PhD, professor of microbiology and physiological systems, finds that neurons have a greater capacity than previously appreciated to fine-tune their communications with other cells.Medical Xpress

05 - 26 - 14

Researchers develop 'wireless' nanotechnology for studying neurons

Yang Xiang, PhD, assistant professor of neurobiology, and Gang Han, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, have received a three-year, $900,000 grant from the Human Frontiers Science Program to lead an international team of scientists in the development and implementation of a new optogenetic platform that can remotely activate neurons inside a free-moving organism.AZ NanoControlled EnvironmentsNanowerk

05 - 25 - 14

EcoTarium receives award, grant

Autism specialists from UMass Medical School are working with the EcoTarium's Countdown to Kindergarten program, a one-day celebration for incoming kindergarten students in Worcester public schools that helps families with members who have physical or mental disabilities and learning or social difficulties.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 23 - 14

Why a MERS Vaccine Won't Be Easy

Robert W. Finberg, MD, chair and professor of medicine, is quoted in an article about the emergence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).National Geographic

05 - 22 - 14

An Epidemic of Preterm Births

Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant death and disabilities worldwide. A local family talks about their experience having a preterm baby. Dale Magee, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and Alan Peter Picarillo, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, are quoted in the article.Worcester Magazine

05 - 22 - 14

UMass Medical adds $1.7B to state economy

UMass Medical School generated $1.7 billion in economic activity in FY 2013, an amount 42 times greater than the $41 million investment the state made in it, according to a new report by the UMass Donahue Institute.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 21 - 14

Is This Patient's Cryoglobulin Hiding Something?

In an op-ed, Jonathan Kay, MD, professor of medicine, discusses treating a patient with a history of hepatitis C viral infection and mixed cryoglobulinemia who presented with palpable purpura on his lower extremities.Medscape

Health Watch Ticks Extended

Molecule acts as umpire to make tough life-or-death calls

New research by Michelle A. Kelliher, PhD, professor of cancer biology, helps solve the mystery of the enzyme receptor-interacting protein kinase 1’s (RIPK1) role in cell survival. This work offers clues about how the immune system fights infection and suggests possible strategies for treating problems ranging from heart attack to cancer.HealthCanal

Can your genes make you kill?

Two from UMass Med Center to lead Mass. Medical Society

Richard S. Pieters, MD, clinical associate professor of radiation oncology and Dennis M. Dimitri, MD, clinical associate professor of family medicine & community health, have been selected to lead the Massachusetts Medical Society for the 2014-2015 year. Dr. Pieters Jr., was elected president and Dr. Dimitri was named president-elect.Worcester Business Journal

05 - 15 - 14

A poignant memorial ceremony

In an op-ed, Albert B. Southwick talks about attending the Anatomical Gift Donors Memorial Service at UMMS for his late sister who donated her body to the program. In the piece he recounts the uplifting, moving and respectful service put on by the School of Medicine class of 2017.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 15 - 14

Bite-sized tweets effective new weight loss weapon

A new study by Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, evaluates the use of social media as a potential weight loss tool.WFXT-Fox 25 Boston (link not available)

05 - 15 - 14

CT health survey uncovers high disease rate

A survey designed, conducted and analyzed by UMass Medical School’s Commonwealth Medicine division reveals that 45 percent of Connecticut’s residents have been told they have a chronic condition.Hartford Business Journal

eICU study fails to find clear benefits

Vasculopathy: A Treatment on the Horizon?

In an op-ed Jonathan Kay, MD, professor of medicine, discusses recent findings published in the March 6 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine which point to a genetic basis for early-onset polyarteritis nodosa and early-onset lacunar strokes and fever.Medscape

UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center and Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts in Worcester are in the final stages of a clinical study to document the positive effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in helping pediatric cancer patients and their families. The program is funded by the American Humane Association, Zoetis and the Pfizer Foundation.Philly.com

05 - 13 - 14

Worcester public libraries will retain hours and locations in 2015

An article about the Worcester public libraries refers to a donation UMass Medical School has made to Worcester's One City–One Library initiative to help Worcester students achieve academic success and prepare for future career opportunities in the increasingly demanding life sciences and health care-driven economy.Masslive.com

05 - 12 - 14

UMass Medical School students enjoy their new Best Buddies

Medical student Justin Pespisa, SOM 2016, launched a Best Buddies chapter at UMass Medical School this year to promote friendships between adults with intellectual disabilities, aspiring doctors and advanced practice nurses. Pespisa and fellow medical students Victoria Winslow, SOM 2017, co-founder of Best Buddies and Salim Zerriny, SOM 2016, are interviewed in the segment. They explain how the program helps reinforce the importance of compassion in health care.Charter TV3 News (begins are marker 6:50)

05 - 11 - 14

Sunday Sit-down: Dr. Heather C. Forkey

Heather Campbell Forkey, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, talks to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette about her new role as chief of the Division of Child Protection at UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 09 - 14

Menopause May Dramatically Up Depression, Mania Risk in BD

Wendy K. Marsh, MD, MS, associate professor of psychiatry, is quoted in an article about the increased risk for depression in menopausal women.Medscape

05 - 08 - 14

Researchers eye brown fat to combat obesity and diabetes

Marcus P. Cooper, MD, assistant professor of medicine, appears on Fox-TV 25 to discuss the latest research into brown adipose tissue, otherwise known as brown fat. Prevalent in people when they are babies, brown fat provides protection and warmth to newborns. Because of its ability to take calories from normal fat and burn it, researchers are investigating how brown fat can used to curb diabetes and obesity in adults.Fox-TV 25 Boston (link unavailable)

05 - 08 - 14

Central Mass. college students to 'shine' at Statehouse today

UMass Medical School MD/PhD student Jennifer MacDonald, SOM ’14, was named by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education as one of its “29 Who Shine” honorees for 2014. She will be recognized by Gov. Deval Patrick at an awards ceremony at the State House on May 8.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 08 - 14

Health Watch Perinatal Depression

During a recent Health Watch segment, psychiatrist Nancy Byatt, DO, assistant professor of psychiatry, explores the difference between prenatal depression and postpartum depression. She also discusses why it’s so important for women to seek treatment and talk with health care providers if they are concerned about their emotional health. Charter TV3 Health Watch

05 - 07 - 14

Deborah Weymouth named as next HealthAlliance Hospital president and CEO

Deborah Weymouth was announced as the new president and CEO of HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster. Eric W. Dickson, MD, MHCM, FACEP, senior associate dean, professor of emergency medicine and president and chief executive officer of UMass Memorial Health Care, is quoted in the story.Masslive.comWorcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 06 - 14

Boston researchers get $5.9M in grants

Alan G. Rosmarin, MD, professor of medicine, is quoted in an article about $5.9 million in research grants awarded by the American Cancer Society.Boston Herald

05 - 05 - 14

Bite-sized tweets effective new weight loss weapon

A new study by Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, evaluates the use of social media as a potential weight loss tool.WCVB Boston

05 - 05 - 14

Translational Facilities Blend Research with Clinical Care

An article about the evolution of translational research references the Albert Sherman Center at UMMS.Laboratory Equipment

05 - 04 - 14

Medical care clinic hails milestone

James J. Ledwith, MD, assistant professor of family medicine & community health and medical student Valeria Valant, SOM class of 2017, talk about their volunteer work at a clinic offering free medical services at the Epworth United Methodist Church on Salisbury Street. Jennifer MacDonald, MD/PhD student and SOM class of 2014, was also mentioned in the article. Volunteer Rebecca Compton, SOM class of 2016 is pictured in the article.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 04 - 14

Sunny outlook for green energy in Massachusetts

Melissa Lucas, energy and sustainability manager, talks about the advantages of solar power and the 30-year agreements UMass Medical School recently signed with three solar farms in Western Massachusetts. Over the course of the agreements, UMMS is projected to save a third off its current energy costs—an equivalent of $715,000 annually at today’s rates.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

The Harr Motor Group is raising money toward a $50,000 goal in support of the 16th annual UMass Medicine Cancer Walk on Sept. 28th. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

05 - 02 - 14

Two Tests Not to Delay in RA

In an op-ed Jonathan Kay, MD, professor of medicine, discusses observations recently published in the February 2014 issue of Arthritis Research and Therapy about the correlation (or lack thereof) between acute-phase reactants and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.Medscape

05 - 01 - 14

How Hospitalists Can Improve Efficiency on Inpatient Wards

An op-ed that examines how to make the pre-rounding, rounding, and follow-up phases of a hospitalist’s typical workday more efficient was co-authored by Christine Donahue, MD, assistant professor of medicine.The Hospitalist

05 - 01 - 14

UMass Medical Using ‘Virtual Anatomy’ To Teach Students

Anne Gilroy, MA, associate professor of cell and developmental biology, demonstrates Anatomage. A life-size interactive virtual dissection tool, the new technology can be used to augment traditional anatomy lab experiences using preloaded images as well actual CT or MRI images from the clinical setting. Medical students Scott Pascal, SOM ’15 and Pamela Lu, SOM ’15, are also quoted in the story.Boston.com

In an article about the increase in abuse of prescription pain medication, Stephen T. Earls, MD, clinical associate professor of family medicine & community health and medical director of Barre Family Health Center, talks about ways to help patients with chronic pain. Also quoted in the article is M. Richard Pavao, MD, assistant professor of anesthesiology.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

UMass backing literacy project

In an op-ed, University of Massachusetts Medical School Chancellor Michael F. Collins said the medical school has invested $700,000 in Worcester's One City–One Library initiative to help Worcester students achieve academic success and prepare for future career opportunities in the increasingly demanding life sciences and health care-driven economy. “By ensuring elementary students and neighborhood residents across Worcester have easy access to books, computers and the latest technology to improve reading proficiency, we can open children's eyes to the amazing world of possibilities that education creates,” said Dr. Collins. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 28 - 14

UMass Medical School course offers help for parents in learning about autism

Maura Buckley, MPA, product manager for UHealth Solutions, talks to Fox News about courses, tools and services developed by the University of Massachusetts Medical School's Shriver Center to help families and professionals touched by or working in the fields of autism.WFXT-Fox 25 Boston

In Rhode Island, getting help to quit smoking

UMass Medical Using ‘Virtual Anatomy’ To Teach Students

Anne Gilroy, MA, associate professor of cell and developmental biology, demonstrates Anatomage. A life-size interactive virtual dissection tool, the new technology can be used to augment traditional anatomy lab experiences using preloaded images as well actual CT or MRI images from the clinical setting. Medical students Scott Pascal, SOM ’15 and Pamela Lu, SOM ’15, are also quoted in the story.WBZ-TV BostonYahooBoston City Press

04 - 27 - 14

Addiction research looks toward opiate blockers

A series about opiate addiction and treatment contains quotes from Gerardo Gonzalez-Haddad, MD, associate professor of psychiatry.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 27 - 14

College Town – UMass Medical School

U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern will receive a Chancellor's Medal and deliver an address at the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s 41st Commencement exercises on June 1.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 27 - 14

FDA okays start of BrainStorm stem cell trial in ALS patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the start of a mid-stage clinical trial of BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ adult stem cell treatment for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Phase 2 trial will be launched initially at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.ReutersMarket WatchMedCity News

04 - 27 - 14

TEDx speakers share stories of courage, controversy at UMass

Turning 'blue' into golden opportunities

UMass Medical School’s Work Without Limits program teams up with Blu2Green and the Seven Hills Foundation in Worcester to create tote bags from recycled “blue wrap” collected at Hahnemann’s day surgery unit. Blue wrap is a material made from a petroleum-based plastic that is used in health care to cover sterilized surgical instruments. The material, when discarded, does not degrade and can last for hundreds of years in the environment. Blu2Green works to recycle the material into useful products. Quoted in the article is Kathy Petkauskos, director of Work Without Limits and Kathleen Mondor, director of the day surgery unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center – Hahnemann campus.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Jon Kabat-Zinn: Meditation Is 'The Simplest Thing In The World'

Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and creator of the Center for Mindfulness at UMass Medical School, explains what meditation is.Huffington Post

04 - 25 - 14

When Shrinks Put Mindfulness On The Couch

An article about a recent conference held at UMass Medical School examines whether mindfulness should be practiced along with the prescription of psychiatric drugs in treating patients with mental illness.WBUR CommonHealth

Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and distinguished professor of molecular medicine and cell biology, is quoted in an article about a revolutionary genome-editing technique called CRISPR that may some day be used to cure genetic disease.Medical Daily

04 - 23 - 14

Medical school to buy solar power

UMass Medical School has reached a 30-year agreement to pay for up to 12 megawatts of solar power generated from arrays being developed by First Wind, Major Energy, Greenhouse Solar and Hecate Solar in Massachusetts. Over the course of the 30-year agreement, UMMS is projected to save a third off its current energy costs—an equivalent of $715,000 annually at today’s rates.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 22 - 14

Report: Disabled Mass. Residents Face Major Health Disparities

A new report by UMass Medical School’s Disability, Health and Employment Unit and the Health and Disability Program at the state Department of Public Health, highlights the many ways in which Massachusetts residents with disabilities “fare worse” than those without disabilities when it comes to their own physical and mental health as well as access to quality medical care from doctors sensitive to their needs. Monika Mitra, PhD, assistant professor of family medicine and community health, is quoted in the story.CommonHealth, WBUR

Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and distinguished professor of molecular medicine and cell biology, is quoted in an article about a revolutionary genome-editing technique called CRISPR, that may some day be used to cure genetic disease.Times of India

04 - 22 - 14

UMass Medical School marks Earth Day with green convention

UMass Medical School celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday. The event featured locally grown foods, energy efficient products and services. Melissa Lucas, energy and sustainability manager was interviewed for the segment. The event also featured Blu2Green, a start-up company that recycles the blue wrap at UMass Memorial Medical Center’s Hahnemann campus. Blu2Green has partnered with Commonwealth Medicine’s WorkWithoutLimits to employ people with disabilities to turn the blue wrap into usable products such as tote bags and neck ties.NECNWorcester News Tonight

04 - 22 - 14

Worcester doc: New study proves pot can make you a stoner

Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, comments on a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience that found abnormalities in the brains of young adults who regularly smoked marijuana.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 21 - 14

Boston Marathon medical volunteer: 'If they're coming back to run, there is no reason that I can't come back to help'

ER resident Maurine Williams, MD, recalls volunteering in the medical tent alongside her colleagues from UMass Medical School at the 2013 Marathon.Masslive.com

Menopause symptoms reconsidered

Boston Marathon runner Hannah Wiberg: Proud to be part of something greater than just a road race

Hannah Wiberg, RN, ran the Boston Marathon as part of the University of Massachusetts system’s team that honored Krystle Campbell. Funds raised went to the Krystle Campbell Scholarship Fund.Masslive.com

04 - 20 - 14

UMass honors volunteers

UMass Memorial Medical Center honored many of its volunteers April 8, in observance of National Volunteer Week, during a special luncheon held at the Beechwood Hotel, Worcester.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 19 - 14

Usability and Feasibility of a Twitter Social Network for Weight Loss

7 Secret Reasons You're Still Hungry

In an article about what causes hunger Ira S. Ockene, MD, the David J. and Barbara D. Milliken Professor of Preventive Cardiology and professor of medicine, talks about why appetites vary from season to season.Huffington Post

04 - 18 - 14

For Resetting Circadian Rhythms, Neural Cooperation Is Key

Patrick Emery, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology, talks about a cluster of brain cells in fruit flies responsible for driving their internal clock.RedOrbit

04 - 18 - 14

Will Recent Findings Change Sepsis Guidelines?

New research on patients with deadly septic shock shows that early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), a widely accepted treatment using a catheter to monitor blood-oxygen levels was no better at saving lives than an older, simpler form of therapy. Craig M. Lilly, MD, professor of medicine, is quoted in the article.Medpage Today

04 - 17 - 14

Diet Plans: How To Truly Lose Weight Without the 'D-Word' In 4 Steps

In an article about losing weight Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, offers suggestions for healthy snacks.Beauty World News

MS: What role does vitamin D play?

Peter N. Riskind, MD, PhD, clinical professor of neurology, is part of an expert panel discussing the possible role vitamin D plays in multiple sclerosis.Medpage Today

04 - 17 - 14

Mustering up the courage to have a conversation about end-of-life healthcare decisions

April 23rd is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a day meant to educate patients on end-of-life care. Suzana Makowski, MD, assistant professor of medicine, emphasizes the importance discussing your wishes with your doctor and family.Masslive.comCharter TV3

04 - 16 - 14

Prolonged and heavy bleeding during menopause is common

Sybil L. Crawford, PhD, is a co-investigator on a recent study of women’s menstrual periods during menopause.Health Canal

04 - 15 - 14

Congressional Report: Regulate E-Cigs

Joseph R. Difranza, MD, professor of family medicine & community health, is quoted in an article about tobacco companies marketing e-cigarettes to children and the need to regulate the nicotine containing product.KTRH News RadioUtah People's Post

04 - 15 - 14

Drugs KO Devices for Prevention of Clots in ICU

A new study by Craig M. Lilly, MD, professor of medicine, shows that treating ICU patients with prophylactic anticoagulation for protection against venous thromboembolism (VTE) is more effective than using mechanical devices as an intervention.Medpage Today

04 - 15 - 14

Electronic Cigarettes May Be Gateway to Tobacco Smoking

Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry, explains how e-cigarettes are being marketed to young people even as the product remains unregulated despite questions about the long-term health effects.Psychiatric News

04 - 15 - 14

Marathon volunteers return with memories of a tragedy

Boston Marathon volunteer Jim Asaiante, RN, an emergency room nurse at UMass Memorial Medical Center, recalls the efforts to help the victims injured at the scene of two explosions at the Boston Marathon last year.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 14 - 14

Federal Judge To Hear Drug Maker Bid To Block Mass. Zohydro Ban

Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, talks about the dangers of Zohydro, a powerful new painkiller that Gov. Patrick has banned in Massachusetts.WBZ-TV Boston (video unavailable)

04 - 14 - 14

Pregnant women who took antidepressants linked to higher autism risk in boys

Andrew Zimmerman, MD, clinical professor in pediatrics, co-authored a study that showed boys whose mothers took antidepressants such as Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac or Zoloft while pregnant, were almost three times more likely to be on the autism disorder spectrum.United Press International, Inc.

04 - 13 - 14

Medical school services honored

The University of Massachusetts Medical School's Disability Evaluation Services was honored for its role in helping people with mental illness re-enter the workforce at the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition's 15th annual Employer Awards Celebration.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

ALS research fund renamed to honor Cellucci

Chancellor Michael F. Collins talks about renaming the UMass ALS Champion Fund, which the late Gov. Paul Cellucci helped establish, to the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund. The fund is a movement to drive awareness of and funding for the ALS breakthroughs happening at UMMS and in the laboratory of Robert H. Brown, Jr., DPhil, MD, one of the world’s leading ALS researchers.Worcester Business Journal

04 - 11 - 14

Ethan's story, Part 3: 'Addiction never stops and I will live with this for the rest of my life, but there are ways to maintain control'

The conclusion of a three part series on a local family’s struggle with drug addiction contains quotes from Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry.Masslive.com

04 - 11 - 14

Stories of Compassionate Care Featuring Robin Young

Joyce A. Murphy, executive vice chancellor for University of Massachusetts Medical School's Commonwealth Medicine, is scheduled to take part in a program featuring stories on compassionate healthcare at Tufts Health Plan on May 8th.WBUR

04 - 10 - 14

UMass ‘Sidekicks’ Program Matches Medical Students With Sick Children

The innovative UMass Medical School program “Sidekicks,” which pairs medical students with chronically ill pediatric patients for friendship and emotional support, was featured on WBZ-TV’s Health Watch. Naheed Usmani, MD, co-founder and faculty adviser for the Sidekicks program, Walter Palmer, SOM ‘16 and Julie Tabroff, SOM ’14, were interviewed for the story.WBZ-TV BostonBoston City and PressGrays MedicineYahoo

04 - 10 - 14

Library rollout hits hurdle at 4th school

The University of Massachusetts Medical School has donated $700,000 to help the Worcester Public Library open four new branches in elementary schools.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 10 - 14

Researchers show fruit flies have latent bioluminescence

A synthetic luciferin developed by Stephen C. Miller, PhD, shows that fruit flies are secretly harboring the biochemistry needed to glow in the dark—otherwise known as bioluminescence. This discovery expands the scope of bioluminescence imaging for research, and adds new tools for the noninvasive studying of ongoing biological processes.NanowerkScience 2.0

04 - 09 - 14

Opiate overdoses and death renew push for first responders to carry Narcan

Marc C. Restuccia, MD, clinical associate professor of emergency medicine and Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry, talk about whether first responders should be equipped with Naloxone, a drug used to counter the effects of opiate overdose.Masslive.com

04 - 09 - 14

Teens hear firsthand the tragedy driving while drinking or distracted can cause

Mariann M. Manno, MD, professor of pediatrics, spoke to students at Wachusett Regional High School about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.The Holden Landmark

04 - 09 - 14

Women’s Club fundraiser sprouting Pancreatic Cancer awareness

Giles Whalen, MD, professor of surgery, is quoted in an article about the Sixth Annual Pansies for Progress Fundraiser which raises money for pancreatic cancer research.The MIllbury-Sutton Chronicle

04 - 08 - 14

Recognizing the signs of addiction

Part two of a three part series on a local family’s struggle with drug addiction contains quotes from Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry.Masslive.com

04 - 08 - 14

UMass ALS Cellucci Fund

Chancellor Michael F. Collins talks about renaming the UMass ALS Champion Fund, which the late Gov. Paul Cellucci helped establish, to the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund. The fund is a movement to drive awareness of and funding for the ALS breakthroughs happening at UMMS and in the laboratory of Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD, one of the world’s leading ALS researchers.Charter TV3 (begins at marker 6:27)Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 08 - 14

With Massachusetts opiate prescription rates at 40 percent, officials caution against over prescribing

Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry, explains that the misuse of prescription pills is more common than that of heroin.Masslive.com

04 - 07 - 14

Ethan's story, Part 1: The slide from drug experimentation to full-blown heroin addiction

Edward Boyer, MD, PhD, professor of emergency medicine, discusses the dangers posed by e-cigarettes and children who accidently consume the liquid nicotine used in them.Fox 25 Boston (video unavailable)

04 - 07 - 14

UMass Medical career event draws 240 students

The fifth annual conference of students in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a vocational organization for young people sponsored by the Massachusetts Area Health Education Center Network, brought 240 students, many from area public high schools, to the University of Massachusetts Medical School to learn about careers in human health professions. Sharon A. Grundel, workforce development manager for the MassAHEC Network at UMMS, is quoted in the story.Worcester Telegram & GazetteTelegram.comWorcester News Tonight (marker 7:21)

04 - 03 - 14

For children, exposure to violence may lead to violence

An editorial by the Springfield Republican refers to a recent talk Heather Campbell Forkey, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, gave about toxic stress and addressing the needs of youths exposed to violence.Masslive.com

04 - 03 - 14

UMass Medical turns blue as Autism Awareness Month begins

UMass Medical School was lit blue Wednesday night in honor of International Autism Awareness Day during an event that allowed parents of children on the autism spectrum to meet other parents and learn about different services available. Jean A. Frazier, MD, the Robert M. and Shirley S. Siff Chair in Autism and professor of psychiatry and pediatrics, talks about the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO) Clinic during the interview. The article also includes quotes from Celia Brown, Community Liaison for the Child and Adolescent Neuro Development Initiative.MassLive.comCharter TV3MassLive.com

04 - 02 - 14

Healthy Bodies, Health Minds

Barry Feldman, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of Psychiatry Services in Public Safety, discusses youth suicide prevention and Lifelines, an evidence-based, comprehensive suicide prevention program for schools.WCCA TV13

Scientists at UMass Medical School and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center have discovered a third critical player in the development of type 2 diabetes--a hormone called kisspeptitn-1. Laura Cristina Alonso, MD, associate professor of medicine, took part in the study.HealthCanal

04 - 02 - 14

McGovern to speak at UMass Med graduation

U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern will receive a Chancellor’s Medal and deliver the address at the 41st Commencement Exercises on Sunday, June 1. Cherylann and Len Gengel, founders of the Be Like Brit Foundation and the Be Like Brit Orphanage in Grand Goâve, Haiti; and H. Brownell Wheeler, MD, the Harry M. Haidak Distinguished Professor emeritus and founding chair of the department of surgery at UMass Medical School will also be recognized with honorary degrees.Worcester Telegram & GazetteMilford Daily NewsGoLocal WorcesterMasslive.com

04 - 02 - 14

Why not say 'yes' to gift of life?

Stephen O. Heard, MD, chair and professor of anesthesiology, writes about the importance of organ donation in an op-ed for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

04 - 01 - 14

8 million people take prescription sleep aids, but these drugs have risks

UMass Medical School’s MassBiologics received a $5 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to support construction of a viral vector manufacturing facility, the first of its kind in Massachusetts. Mark Klempner, MD, executive vice chancellor for MassBiologics, is quoted in the story.Boston Business Journal

03 - 30 - 14

Startups pitch ideas at competition

Fifteen teams of entrepreneurs pitched their innovative ideas for new medical-device and biotechnology products at the M2D2 New Venture Competition last week.M2D2 is a cooperative effort between the University of Massachusetts Lowell and UMass Medical School that supports Massachusetts-based medical device technology startups and entrepreneurs.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

03 - 29 - 14

State grants fuel Lowell biotech growth

University of Massachusetts Senior Vice President for the Health Sciences and UMass Medical School Chancellor Michael F. Collins spoke at an event announcing a $4 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for new medical-device and biotechnology incubator space at UMass to be known as the Big Company/Little Company Innovation Hub. Speaking at the event, Dr. Collins said support from the state has allowed for "a new day of collaboration" at UMass.Lowell Sun

03 - 29 - 14

State plans for dual-eligibles face tough challenges

In an article about the challenges of integrating care for patients eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare benefits, Judith L. Steinberg, BA, MPH, MD, says that coordinated medical and social care is the best way to keep these patients stable and out of the hospital and emergency department.Modern Healthcare

03 - 27 - 14

Health Watch – When Elderly Need Emergency Care

Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clinton Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director Marc Gautreau, MD, explains that the elderly are more susceptible to infections, such as pneumonia, which can sometimes manifest as cognitive impairment or behavioral issues. Charter TV3

03 - 26 - 14

Brain Structure Disrupted in Autistic Kids

Curtis Deutsch, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry, comments on a recent study which found brain structure in children with autism differs in organization from non-autistic children.Medpage Today

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences students Emma Watson and Colin Conine received the 2014 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award for research into the mechanisms governing epigenetic inheritance and the complex interactions between diet, gene expression and physiology.News MedicalPhysOrg

New data shows spike in smokeless tobacco sales

The number of smokeless tobacco products sold in Massachusetts is soaring, as are the levels of nicotine packed into many of them, according to a new analysis from UMass Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.Medical Xpress

Are E-Cigarettes A Safe Alternative?

Study Questions Benefit of Widely Used Septic-Shock Treatment

New research on patients with deadly septic shock shows that early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), a widely accepted treatment using a catheter to monitor blood-oxygen levels was no better at saving lives than an older, simpler form of therapy. Craig M. Lilly, MD, professor of medicine, is quoted in the article. Wall Street JournalMedpage Today

03 - 17 - 14

M2D2 hosts Innovator contest on March 26

Fifteen teams of entrepreneurs from early-stage companies will pitch their innovative ideas for new products at the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2) during its New Venture Competition on March 26th.M2D2 is a cooperative effort between the University of Massachusetts Lowell and UMass Medical School that supports Massachusetts-based medical device technology startups and entrepreneurs.Lowell Sun

Number of people with new joints tops 7 million

A story about the increasing number of people living with new joints includes comments from David Ayers, MD, theArthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics, chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation and director of the Musculoskeletal Center of Excellence, about what is causing people to seek the surgery.USA TodayDetroit Free Press

03 - 14 - 14

Why This Congressman Is Fighting To Bring Mindfulness To Veterans

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) has sponsored the Veterans and Armed Forces’ Health Promotion Act of 2013 to include mindfulness-based programs as part of the treatment available to veterans with combat-related PTSD. Ryan was introduced to the benefits of mindfulness after attending a five-day retreat with Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and founder of the Center for Mindfulness at UMass Medical School. Huffington Post

03 - 13 - 14

'Crash' course for teen drivers

Esther Borer, coordinator of the injury prevention center at UMass Memorial Medical Center, talks about Teen DRIVE - Distracted Reality and Interactive Virtual Education – an educational program designed to influence how teens make decisions while operating a motor vehicle and raise awareness about the importance of making safe driving choices. The Foxboro Reporter

Health Watch Sudden Cardiac Arrest Extended

Sale of pansies benefits pancreatic cancer fight

The Pancreatic Cancer Alliance will hold the ninth annual Pansies For Progress campaign on March 28. The event is held to promote awareness of pancreatic cancer and raise funds for research and clinical drug trials at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. Worcester Telegram & Gazette

03 - 12 - 14

Why is my baby’s poop this color?

Jenifer R. Lightdale, MD, MPH, instructor in pediatrics and a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, discusses the different stool colors babies might experience, which are normal and which might indicate injury or disease.PBS Newshour

Telemonitoring Cuts ICU Time, Boosts Outcomes

A study conducted by Craig M. Lilly, MD, professor of medicine, and published online in the journal CHEST, shows that using a virtual ICU with one specialist doctor and three critical care nurses serving 150 patients can improve survival by 26 percent over a traditional ICU.Medpage Today

03 - 10 - 14

Teens’ brains make them more vulnerable to suicide

Barry Feldman, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of Psychiatry Services in Public Safety, explains risk factors that may lead to teen suicide and steps to take to prevent it.Boston GlobeBoston Globe

03 - 10 - 14

What's new in autism spectrum disorder? Harvard Review of Psychiatry presents research update

Jean A. Frazier, MD, the Robert M. and Shirley S. Siff Chair in Autism and professor of psychiatry and pediatrics, is quoted in an article reviewing recent progress and advancements in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) research. Dr. Frazier was guest editor of a special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry focused on ASD. Medical Xpress

03 - 09 - 14

Device aids weight loss

UMass Medical School is one of three clinical trial sites for the EndoBarrier, a tube-shaped liner placed through the mouth to help patients with Type 2 diabetes or obesity reduce blood sugar levels and lose weight.Boston Herald

03 - 09 - 14

UMass Medical School, UMass Lowell collaborate to build startups

An op-ed in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette explores the work being done by the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2) which is a cooperative effort between the University of Massachusetts Lowell and UMass Medical School that supports Massachusetts-based medical device technology startups and entrepreneurs.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

03 - 08 - 14

Sen. Warren at Fitchburg State, says $1.2T debt is crushing students

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren visits UMass Medical School to talk with researchers and school officials about federal research funding and to tour the Sherman Center. A photo by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette shows her speaking with Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and distinguished professor of molecular medicine and cell biology, and Christopher M. Sassetti, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and physiological systems during the visit.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

03 - 08 - 14

Time to reset internal, and external clocks

Stacia Sailer, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, offers practical advice to those who might be suffering from sleep disorders or may have trouble falling asleep due to daylight savings.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

03 - 07 - 14

Charlton farm to produce blood-clotting medicine in rabbits' milk

Doreen Brettler, MD, professor in medicine, is quoted in an article about a biotechnical company that hopes to develop a new factor VIIa product as a treatment for hemophilia A and B patients.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

03 - 07 - 14

Data Shows National "Norms" for Timing of Hip and Knee Replacements

Using data from the UMMS-led FORCE-TJR joined replacement registry, David Ayers, MD, theArthur M. Pappas, MD, Chair in Orthopedics, chair and professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation and director of the Musculoskeletal Center of Excellence, has identified national norms for timing of hip and knee replacements.Yahoo FinanceDigital Journal

03 - 06 - 14

Doctors hope for cure in a 2nd baby born with HIV

Doctors hope a 2nd baby has been cleared of an HIV infection, after receiving treatment 4 hours after birth. Katherine Luzuriaga, MD, professor of pediatrics and medicine, and a team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and the University of Mississippi Medical Center were among the researchers involved.Worcester Telegram & GazetteClarion LedgerThink Progress

03 - 06 - 14

The Military is Leaving the Missing Behind

Mark D. Leney, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, is quoted in an article about soldiers who become prisoners of war. ProPublicaSalonMoneylife

03 - 06 - 14

Worcester is putting the emphasis on literacy to make it the city that reads

UMMS helps support “Worcester: the City that Reads” by collecting books for their program to promote literacy in the community.Masslive.com

03 - 05 - 14

Does the Medical Home Make a Difference?

Kenneth S. Peterson, PhD, FNP, assistant professor of nursing, director of the family nurse practitioner track program and interim director of the doctorate in nursing practice program, is quoted in an article about patient centered medical homes.NurseZone.com

03 - 05 - 14

Opiate deaths spur push for first responders to carry Narcan

Marc C. Restuccia, MD, clinical associate professor of emergency medicine, talks about making Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse opiate overdoses, available to first responders.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

A new study by Manuel Garber, PhD, assistant professor of molecular medicine, found that at least 35 percent of human lincRNAs show orthologous transcripts across mammals, and 20 percent are not conserved beyond chimp and undetectable even in rhesus.Christian News

03 - 04 - 14

Time for colorectal cancer awareness

Justin A. Maykel, MD, assistant professor of surgery, wrote an op-ed piece about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

03 - 04 - 14

Zen and the art of bedtime: How we turned to meditation to stop the children's evening tantrums

Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and founder of the Center for Mindfulness at UMMS, talks about the importance of calming oneslef before bedtime.The Independent

03 - 03 - 14

A Powerful New Way to Edit DNA

Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and distinguished professor of molecular medicine and cell biology, explains how the ability of Crispr to make precise changes to the DNA of humans provide scientists with unprecedented power to rewrite the code of life.New York TimesNews-Journal.com

03 - 03 - 14

New research finds positive health technique for stressed nurses

An article about how mindfulness programs can reduce employee stress credits Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and founder of the Center for Mindfulness at UMMS.Medical Xpress

03 - 03 - 14

Tune in: Being mindful of the now can lead to good health

Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and founder of the Center for Mindfulness at UMMS, talks about the benefits of practicing mindfulness.The Vancouver Sun

03 - 01 - 14

Health News: A New Trick for Dieting Dessert Lovers, Forgive Your Forgetfulness, And More

Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, looks at weight-loss apps study that could help people dieting.Good Housekeeping

02 - 27 - 14

Plastic surgery more than just for looks

John M. Castle, MD, clinical associate professor of surgery, is quoted in an article about the health reasons for cosmetic surgery.Worcester Magazine

02 - 27 - 14

Mass. Patients Can 'Shop' For Health Care -- At Least In Theory

Massachusetts health care cost control law requires hospitals and doctors to provide prices for procedures, tests, etc., when asked by a patient. In this article, a local woman was contacting hospitals, including UMMC, to compare prices for a vaginal delivery. Robert Brogna, media and public relations manager at UMass Memorial Health Care, is quoted in the article.Kaiser Health NewsFierce Health FinanceMedscape.com

02 - 27 - 14

Public Service award goes to Kevin L. Bradley of Genesis Club

Charles W. Lidz, PhD, research professor of psychiatry, talks about Kevin L. Bradley who has been nominated to receive the Telegram & Gazette’s Public Service Award for his work with the Genesis Club.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

02 - 27 - 14

UMass Memorial Medical Center, Clark, city of Worcester to work together on health goals

The city of Worcester, UMass Memorial Medical Center and Clark University will partner to create a new Academic Health Department.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Good Deeds

Chancellor Michael F. Collins visits the Harr Motor Group, which raised $53,747 for the UMass Cancer Walk. The money will be used for research and patient care at the UMass Medicine Cancer Center of Excellence.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

02 - 24 - 14

Advocacy Group Urges Caution over Agricultural RNAi

An article about a new pesticide that uses genetic sequencing to kill pests without harming beneficial insects raises controversy about the potential risks of RNA interference (RNAi). Referenced in the article is 2006 Nobel Laureate and co-discoverer of RNAi Craig C. Mello, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and distinguished professor of molecular medicine and cell biology.Gene Silencing News

02 - 24 - 14

FDA Panel Advises Changes in Iontophoresis Regulation

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel has recommended a less-restrictive category for iontophoresis devices, which use direct current to introduce ions of soluble salts or other drugs into the body for medical purposes. Mary Maloney, MD, professor of medicine and director of dermatologic surgery, who serves on the panel, is quoted in the story.Medscape

02 - 24 - 14

State Of Emergency: 24 States Lack Basic Tools To Identify Open Beds For Psychiatric Patients

Jeffrey L. Geller, MD, MPH, professor of psychiatry, is quoted in a story about the lack of available beds for patients needing psychiatric care and how some states track available beds.ThinkProgress

02 - 23 - 14

HPV vaccine: Conversations between pediatricians and parents key to ensuring daughters get vaccinated

An article about the HPV vaccine mentions the recent UMMS study published in Clinical Pediatrics which uncovered common reasons why parents are delaying and refusing HPV vaccinations for their adolescent daughters. The Global Dispatch

Oscar, a 16-year-old Dachshund therapy dog, retires after seven years of helping young patients at UMMHC.Masslive.com

02 - 20 - 14

Before Going Gluten-Free, Make Sure It’s Necessary

In an op-ed piece, Darshak Sanghavi, MD, fellow and managing director at the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform at the Brookings Institution and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, explains the three clinical reasons for considering a gluten-free diet.New York Times

Beyond 'baby blues' — treating postpartum depression

Third Rock invests $45M to launch biotech firm aimed at gene therapy

Phillip D. Zamore, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, the Gretchen Stone Cook Chair of Biomedical Sciences and professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, and Guangping Gao, PhD, the Penelope Booth Rockwell Chair in Biomedical Research and professor of microbiology & physiological systems, team up with Third Rock Ventures to try and cure or significantly reverse the effects of disorders of the central nervous system using gene therapy.Masslive.comBoston GlobeWorcester Telegram & GazetteBusiness WireXconomyFierceBiotechFort Mill TimesPhys.org

02 - 14 - 14

4 Things Neuroscience Can Teach Us About Love

Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, who recently joined the faculty at UMass Medical School as associate professor of medicine and psychiatry and director of research at the Center for Mindfulness, examines brain activity of trial participants practicing “loving kindness” mediation in his lab at Yale University, according to a new paper on the research published in the journal Brain and Behavior.Huffington Post

02 - 14 - 14

Mind over cancer: can meditation aid recovery?

Elana Rosenbaum, MS, MSW, instructor in medicine, talks about how mindfulness has helped her focus and survive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.The Guardian

02 - 14 - 14

Vitamin B12 accelerates worm development

A.J. Marian Walhout, PhD, co-director of the program in systems biology and professor of molecular medicine, discusses how they have developed a novel interspecies model system that shows how bacterially supplied vitamin B12 changes gene expression, development and fertility in the model organism C. elegans.Science NewsPhys.orgNews MedicalScience Daily

02 - 13 - 14

Rocky rollout of Health Connector site riles legislators

Gov. Deval Patrick’s new special assistant in charge of overseeing the repair of the Health Connector’s troubled enrollment website told lawmakers on Wednesday that the state was seeking a six-month extension from the federal government to keep subscribers enrolled in current coverage plans beyond the March 31 deadline to give ample time to repair the faulty site.Taunton Daily GazetteItemlive.com

Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and professor of pediatrics and microbiology & physiological systems, was part of an expert panel discussion on how care delivery and drug development models in cystic fibrosis are an example for health policy experts seeking new ways to treat rare diseases and accelerate drug development.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

02 - 12 - 14

Synthetic strategy targets ‘undruggable’ small RNAs

Phillip D. Zamore, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, the Gretchen Stone Cook Chair of Biomedical Sciences and professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology, is quoted in an article about the discovery to design small molecules to target specific small RNAs, opening up a new way to investigate and treat disease.Chemistry World

02 - 12 - 14

The 10 Minutes A Day That Can Change Your Life

Lynn Koerbel, MPH, assistant director and senior instructor of the Oasis Institute at University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society, talks about the practice and benefits of being present.Huffington Post

02 - 11 - 14

Assessing the Impact of Smoking on Health

Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry, and Alan Woodward, M.D., chair of Tobacco Free Mass and a member of the Massachusetts Public Health Council, have co-authored an op-ed about the 50th anniversary of the Surgeon General’s first comprehensive report on the dangers of tobacco.Healthcare News

02 - 11 - 14

Autistic behavior is curbed in French animal study

A new study published in the journal Science suggesting that autism may result when a chemical switch in the brain doesn’t get turned on is a significant finding, according to UMass Medical School pediatric neurologist Andrew Zimmerman, MD, who co-authored an accompanying editorial in the Feb. 9 journal.Chicago Tribune

Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and professor of pediatrics and microbiology & physiological systems, will be part of an expert panel discussion today on how care delivery and drug development models in cystic fibrosis are an example for health policy experts seeking new ways to treat rare diseases and accelerate drug development.Sacramento Bee

02 - 10 - 14

Hospitals need to address root causes of violence, experts say

Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of pediatric surgery, chief of pediatric surgery & trauma and Worcester’s interim commissioner of public health, talks about the need for trauma centers to address the cause of violence in their surrounding communities.Crain’s Detroit Business

02 - 10 - 14

Outdoors: Local doctors, nurses help Amazon Indians

Doctors and nurses from UMMHC help the Quechuas of Ecuador by providing medical care and by raising funds for supplies.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

02 - 09 - 14

For a special boy, love has made all the difference

Joyce A. Murphy, executive vice chancellor for University of Massachusetts Medical School's Commonwealth Medicine, is quoted in a story about how the Community Case Management program, a partnership between UMMS and MassHealth, helps local families with challenging medical needs.Boston Globe

02 - 08 - 14

Baseball: Red Sox outlook a mystery as truck leaves for Fort Myers

Brian D. Busconi, MD, associate professor of orthopedics and physical rehabilitation, has been named Head Minor League Physician for the Boston Red Sox.Worcester Telegram & GazetteNECN

College kids distressed or depressed? Consider all treatment options

Put Back The Teeth? Why We Separate Dental And Medical Care

Hugh Silk, MD, clinical associate professor of family medicine & community health and chair of the Massachusetts Medical Society’s Committee on Oral Health, is interviewed in a story about the relationship and importance of good oral health to good physical health.WBUR CommonHealth

02 - 03 - 14

Black Death Left a Mark on Human Genome

Douglas T. Golenbock, MD, professor of medicine and microbiology & physiological systems and chief of infectious diseases and immunology, is quoted in an article about how the Black Death influenced the human genome.

UMass Memorial consolidating imaging operations

Deerfield Academy student wins Regional Brain Bee

Liam Gong, 15, a student at Deerfield Academy, won the 8th annual Central Massachusetts Regional Brain Bee which was held at UMass Medical School over the weekend. The event was organized by the psychiatry department and moderated by Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

01 - 31 - 14

Monarch Butterfly Population Continues Alarming Drop

An article about the alarming drop in monarch butterfly population cites the work of Steven Reppert, MD, the Higgins Family Professor of Neuroscience and professor of neurobiology, for his work on the mechanisms of monarch butterfly migration.WBUR

01 - 28 - 14

Connector-fix price tag unknown

The Boston Herald reports that the Massachusetts Health Connector has incurred substantial costs for the Health Connector website development and implementation. State officials say they are holding CGI, the website developer, accountable.Boston Herald

01 - 28 - 14

How "good cholesterol" stops inflammation

Eicke Latz, MD, assistant professor of medicine, talks about his recent study which identified a central switch by which HDL controls the inflammatory response. The results are presented in the current issue of Nature Immunology.Health Canal

Related stories credit the Center for Mindfulness at UMMS, and the effectiveness of mindfulness training in countering the pressures and effects of anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and illness on the body, mind, and brain.

The Science Of Mindfulness

Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and founder of the Center for Mindfulness at UMMS, talks about the benefits of practicing mindfulness.WBURTime

01 - 25 - 14

Get trained to help smokers quit

Denise Jolicoeur, MA, MPH, program director in preventive and behavioral medicine, talks about the training needed to become a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist.LimaOhio.com

01 - 25 - 14

State knew about troubles with health site

The Boston Globe details the events leading up to the problematic launch of the state’s Health Connector website including close monitoring of the performance of CGI, the website’s developer, by state officials.Boston Globe

01 - 23 - 14

6 proven ways to lose the weight for good

Sherry Pagoto, PhD, associate professor of medicine, talks about how a cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you manage your diet.Fox News.com

01 - 23 - 14

Even More Addictive Cigarettes

A study by UMass Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health finds that the amount of nicotine delivered via smoke, known as nicotine yield, increased sharply from 1998 to 2012 even as the total amount of nicotine in cigarettes has leveled off. Wenjun Li, PhD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, was senior author of the study.New York TimesBoston GlobeHuffington Post CBS Atlanta MassliveWBUR

01 - 22 - 14

Bitter Winter Blast

Worcester News Tonight recently interviewed Michael Hunter, deputy chief of EMS at UMass Memorial Health Care, who talked about the dangerously cold weather gripping the area and how to keep safe and warm.Worcester News Tonight

01 - 20 - 14

Community celebrates life of Martin Luther King Jr. at annual breakfast

Wolf Prize in sciences and arts goes to 8 people from four countries

Reading gets rolling

Worcester's One City, One Library initiative introduced the city’s newest bookmobile, “Lilly,” last week at Lincoln Street Elementary School. The University of Massachusetts Medical School is providing support and funding for the One City, One Library program.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

01 - 15 - 14

Voices of New England on ‘medical homes’ and natural gas

Judith L. Steinberg, BA, MPH, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, co-authored an op-ed piece about how taking a look at homeless people and life in the shelters could help improve American health care.Boston GlobeBoston Globe

01 - 14 - 14

American Humane Association and TGen launch study of obsessive-compulsive behavior in dogs

Edward I. Ginns, MD, PhD, professor of psychiatry, teams up with colleagues to study the genetic basis of obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs. The research could also lead to clues about the origins of such behavior in children, especially the growing number of those with autism.The Palladium Times

01 - 14 - 14

Biosimilars: Is It Safe to Switch?

Jonathan Kay, MD, professor of medicine, blogs about the approval of biosimilar medications by the European Union and whether it’s safe to interchange or switch between a reference product and the biosimilar option.Medscape

01 - 14 - 14

Breathing In vs. Spacing Out

An article about the science and evolution of mindfulness meditation talks about how the practice was pioneered at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.New York Times

Smith & Nephew has announced it will co-sponsor the 2014 Massachusetts Medical Device Development (M2D2) Center's New Venture Competition, a joint UMass Lowell and UMass Medical School initiative designed to showcase innovative ideas coming out of early-stage medical device companies.Wall Street Journal

01 - 13 - 14

Can meditation top medication?

An article about a recently published study which found that meditation may benefit patients with anxiety, depression and pain, talks about mindfulness meditation stress reduction programs which was pioneered at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.Boston GlobeBoston.com

01 - 13 - 14

Erez Aiden Contains Multitudes

A story about Erez Lieberman Aiden, a biologist and computer scientist who has made important forays into the humanities and science using data mining and analysis includes comments from Job Dekker, PhD, co-director of the Program in Systems Biology, professor of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology. Aiden collaborated with Dekker on the Hi-C technology in 2009.The Chronicle of Higher Education

01 - 13 - 14

UMMS researchers have been commissioned by Alpha-1 Project to develop PiZ antibody

Researchers at UMass Medical School have been commissioned by the Alpha-1 Project to develop a PiZ antibody, an essential tool for testing potential therapies for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and professor of pediatrics and microbiology & physiological systems, is quoted in the article.News Medical

01 - 12 - 14

Community paramedicine is prescription for saving costs

EMS Deputy Chief Michael J. Hunter, and Life Flight/EMS Medical Director Marc C. Restuccia, MD, clinical associate professor, talk about the concept of community paramedicine, which hopes to bridge the gap between medical issues and emergency medical issues by providing patients immediate medical attention in their homes rather than bogging down emergency rooms with non-emergency issues.Worcester Telegram & Gazette

01 - 10 - 14

Prospective Chromosome Therapy for Down Syndrome: Hopes, Fears, and Ethics

An article about the ethical implications a potential treatment for Down syndrome may have for effected families references the recent discovery by Jeanne B. Lawrence, PhD, professor of cell & developmental biology, that the extra chromosome linked to Down syndrome could potentially be “switched off.”The Catholic World Report

01 - 09 - 14

Advancing Gene Therapy

Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and professor of pediatrics and microbiology & physiological systems, talks about a new initiative to streamline clinical trials using gene therapy vectors for single gene disorders with shared biologics.Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

01 - 09 - 14

Health Watch Kids In Cold Weather Safety

Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of pediatric surgery, chief of pediatric surgery & trauma and Worcester’s interim commissioner of public health, explains that dressing warm, wearing layers of clothing and remembering to cover up the face, are some ways to keep kids safe in the cold.Charter TV3

01 - 09 - 14

Promising Drug Trial Lifts Stock of Intercept

Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, Professor of medicine, talks about a possible treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, which affects millions of Americans and can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.New York Times

01 - 08 - 14

Do Wrong to None: In This New Era of Value-Based Health Care, Radiologists Believe That Reporting Errors Will Bolster Patient Trust

Sarwat Hussain, MD, professor of radiology, is quoted in an article about the importance of reporting medical errors to improve quality patient care.American College of Radiology

01 - 08 - 14

Neuroscience Study Uncovers New Player in Obesity

A new study reveals how a protein in the brain helps regulate food intake and body weight. Miguel Sena-Esteves, PhD, associate professor of neurology, co-authored the study, which could lead to new treatments for obesity.HealthCanal

01 - 08 - 14

Robert Babineau, pioneer in family medicine mourned in Fitchburg and beyond

Daniel Lasser, MD, MPH, chair and professor of family medicine and community health, and James J. Ledwith, MD, assistant professor of family medicine and community health, remember Robert Babineau, Sr., MD, a family physician in Fitchburg and former faculty member.Sentinel and Enterprise

01 - 08 - 14

UMass Medical School faculty recognized as one of nation's top young scientists

Thomas G. Fazzio, PhD, assistant professor of molecular medicine, has been recognized as a rising scientific star by President Obama with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.PsyOrgGoLocal WorcesterNews MedicalEurekAlert

01 - 08 - 14

University of Massachusetts researchers discover natural way to fight Mtb

EndoType: Is Adiponectin Behind Statin, Diabetes Link?

Yunsheng Ma, MD, PhD, MPH, is quoted in an article about the impact the hormone adiponectin may have on cholesterol-lowering statins, causing patients to be at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Medpage Today

01 - 07 - 14

Physician Focus: Smoking, Tobacco, and Health

Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH, chair and professor of psychiatry, appeared as a guest on an episode of Physician Focus to review the progress made against smoking and tobacco use since the Surgeon General’s first comprehensive report on the dangers of tobacco.Massachusetts Medical Society

01 - 07 - 14

Smoking Rates Still High Among the Mentally Ill

Douglas Ziedonis, MD, professor and chair of psychiatry, is quoted in an article about the smoking rates among Americans with mental illnesses declining more slowly than in the general population.Medpage Today

01 - 03 - 14

10 slim-down strategies you can count on

A Child Who Kills Is Still A Child

An article about trying juveniles who commit first-degree murder as adults and their ability to comprehend their crimes cites research by Thomas Grisso, PhD, professor of psychiatry and director of the Law-Psychiatry Program at UMass Medical School.WBUR